Businessweek (Jan 10, 2011, page 9) has an article discussing the supply of rare earth metals (neodymium, dysprosium etc).  China supplies 97 % of the world’s demand for rare earth metals – but cut exports by 72 % in 2010 and expected to restrict exports in 2011. In response, Japanese manufacturers expect to increase recycled material to account for 10 % of their requirements by 2013. In addition, new mines opening up in Australia are being signed uo for 10 year contracts by Japanese manufacturers.  Will the rare earth supply disruption increase recycling rates ? Will the higher prices slow down alternate energy sources and use of batteries in cars ? Or will the new mines coming online mediate the demand supply mismatch ?