As for their rare-earth efforts, the Quad nations will first develop refining technologies. Rare-earth veins often contain radioactive materials, and a large amount of radioactive waste is produced in the refining process, which is what China dominates.Partially due to its lax environmental restrictions, China has built up a price advantage in the rare earth market. As a result, the Quad countries will focus on coming up with low-cost, low-radioactive-waste refinement technologies.The four partners also plan to arrange for government-affiliated financial institutions to provide syndicated loans to the mining and refining businesses. QUOTE American Rare Earths ARR has a distinct advantage of having minimal radioactive penalties in their projects in the US
