Good bye tungsten, gallium, germanium and antimony, by Stucky

China has a rare earths choke hold on the global economy. From Stucky at theburningplatform.com:

Boring title. Who gives a shit?  Well, you should. Scan down the page and read all the products that require these rare earths … no substitutes allowed.

For example, look at Gallium and Germanium. These are among the important doping agents added to silicon materials to impart certain electric properties–they are the reason semiconductors can semi-conduct. IOW, no gallium equals no semiconductors. You think that might be a problem?

Russia produces more tungsten than the USA and Europe combined. And China produces 33 times more than Russia. Yup, China and Russia control almost 90% of the world’s tungsten. And China recently decided to ban all exports of tungsten. You think that might be a problem?

I really want to focus on China getting tough with the United States. Most Americans who think of themselves as China experts (I are (sic) not one), are ignoring China’s decisive measure to suspend the export of critical minerals — i.e., tungsten, gallium, germanium and antimony.

TUNGSTEN

1. Cutting tools and wear-resistant components: Tungsten carbide is used in the production of drill bits, circular saws, milling tools, and other cutting implements for metalworking, woodworking, mining, and construction industries.

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