Will 2014 be a turning point for rare earths?

Since mid-2011 it has nearly all been downhill for rare earths prices. But with big changes taking place in the industry will 2014 turn out to be a pivotal year for the market?

China is consolidating its rare earths production into a handful of big companies. It's anti-smuggling campaigns are becoming more determined. The Chinese government has been calling for higher rare earths prices for sometime – is this the year that it will start to happen?

Outside China more and more production is set to come on-stream over the next few years – posing the question of whether the market is big enough to absorb the extra output? This leads into demand. The US economy is rebounding and greater consumption of rare earths should follow.

Sectors such as FCC catalysts are recovering and applications such as batteries and high powered magnets show real growth promise. But can these markets grow fast enough to overcome efforts at optimisation and substitution? Also, how are individual rare earths elements impacted by these trends? Each has its own set of supply and demand fundamentals.

These points will be addressed at the Metal-Pages Rare Earths North America conference to be held in New York June 10-11th. High profile speakers from some of the leading producers and consumers will be delivering insights about the rare earths market and addressing future trends.

Other speakers will talk about recycling, the role of government, sea bed mining and rare earths-based R&D initiatives.

This is a must attend event if you produce, buy, sell or invest in rare earths. It will also be a great opportunity to meet some of the movers and shakers in the rare earths industry – all in one location.

As with all events, there will be plenty of networking opportunities during the conference, making this an essential date for your diary!