Rare earth-based products are used in a great diversity of applications, for example, hard disc drives, batteries, capacitors, pigments, ceramics, polishing powders, fuel cells & much more. S E Asia holds the largest share of the known reserve of rare earth ores & is the largest producer of rare earth intermediates. It is also one of the major markets for rare earth compounds. During the past decade, China has become the largest producer of rare earth intermediates as well as an important exporter of separated rare earth elements. In China today there are around 150 factories producing these compounds. Most are experienceing financial difficulties due to the lack of knowledge of true market needs, lack of control of distribution & production over capacity. Recently Chinese producers have recognized this & are making efforts to rationalise.
