These rare earths look more heavy than light…Source: treehugger.com

Rare earth metals are once again the leading contenders for Sexiest Metals Category in the World Award, as news of the world’s heavies — the US, China, the EU and Japan — conducting a war of words through the WTO proliferated the mainstream.

So how will this affect the next generations of my iPhone and my iPad?

Here are some of our recent pieces exploring this sector:

1. Rare Earth Oxide Prices Continue Slide, But For How Much Longer? – Part One

Rare Earth Oxide Prices Continue Slide, But For How Much Longer? – Part Two

“Nothing kills high prices like high prices”…

2. Toyota Latest Manufacturer to Identify Rare Earth Metal Product Substitutes

MetalMiner interview with leading rare-earths expert Gareth Hatch.

3. China’s Rare Earths Export Restrictions in Obama’s Crosshairs – Part One, and Part Two

Obama’s most recent stab at bein’ “Tough on China” — will it actually have an affect on prices this year?