Malaysia the Next Supplier?

In The New York Times, Keith Bradsher describes in his article the pursue of Malaysia in what seems to be a potentially good source for rare-earth metals. Currently, China owns 95% of the worlds supply of rare-earth metals which are generally needed to manufacture new technology such as Apple's Iphone and even smart cars such as the Toyota Prius.China has setup a monopoly over this category of metals and have gained massive amounts of profit by dictating, also known as raising, prices of these particular metals.

Despite the potential hazards, the Malaysian government was eager for investment by Lynas, even offering a 12-year tax holiday. If rare earth prices stay at current lofty levels, the refinery will generate $1.7 billion a year in exports starting late next year, equal to nearly 1 percent of the entire Malaysian economy. 

While there are some other potential sources to mine these metals such as the United States' Death Valley, there are strict environmental mandates and regulations that stop potentially radio-active waste from accumulating. On the other hand, China does not need to second guess themselves because all their mining sites are typically away form urban civilization as well as having much more lenient if not as many environmental rules. By adopting this mentality, Chinese society is able to accept the lower standard of consciousness. But have no doubt, these mining facilities create an abundance of waste. If Malaysia is able to successfully over the financial barrier and ignore the expulsion of semi-radio-active waste, then it can possibly serve as a link to lessen if not destroy China's currently impenetrable monopoly. However, China trying to take over the Malaysian mineral sink through bribery still remains a viable course as well.