praseo,"A couple of the HC posters insisted a few months ago...

praseo,
"A couple of the HC posters insisted a few months ago that China would begin importing ree in 2014. Only a few more months to go! Personally, I found those kinds of stories close to laughable. Likely that nonsense originated in China and got repeated by the gullible several months ago."

It may be a load of bull or it may not.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-08/22/content_15694920.htm

There has been a rapid growth in domestic manufacturers using heavy rare earths to make, among other products, magnets and hydrogen storage cells.
Chen Zhanheng, the deputy secretary-general of the China Rare Earth Industry Association, said the limited quota for domestic manufacturing, coupled with growing demand, has led to a shortage.
Last year the country imported about 5,000 tons, he said.

Du Xiaoming, general manager of Chinalco Rare Earth (Jiangsu), said it is a good idea to import medium and heavy rare earths.
China may soon become a net importer of heavy rare earths, according to a research report released by Commerzbank on Aug 9.