Japan coughs up the captain

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Green-Economics/2010/0927/Are-there-hidden-costs-to-over-dependence-on-China-Japan-just-found-out

i think i'd rather cough up a hairball.

Originally posted by zeeblebot
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Green-Economics/2010/0927/Are-there-hidden-costs-to-over-dependence-on-China-Japan-just-found-out

...

Now, I realize that this is easier said than done but I can't believe that the geology is such that these minerals are only found in China. If this is the case, then the nerds need to get back to work to figure out what other substances could substitute for them in the products in question.

The NY Times piece suggests that rich nations such as USA and Japan need to do more mining to have their own stash. Would environmentalists support this?

We want it both ways. Low pollution here (no mining and mountain top removal) and no political hassles there (no threats by major export partners to cut off the flow of goods).

i think he's got it wrong, it's probably employer liability and labor costs that have done in rare earth mining in the US.

maybe rare earths are found in the US in states with high legal exposure. otherwise why are we still digging for coal?

Originally posted by zeeblebot
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Green-Economics/2010/0927/Are-there-hidden-costs-to-over-dependence-on-China-Japan-just-found-out

At least your country does not have to worry about China buying up a controlling interest in one of your country's large resource mining company's and watch the panic as she gains a greater foothold to your nation's bounty finally to wake up to see that shee not only mines what she wants, she also controls the price.

Its like American Imperialism all over again, except this was no mere attempt at homogenization and acculturation, this was buying the house from under you leaving you to wonder when the notice of eviction will come into effect.

Originally posted by kmax87
At least your country does not have to worry about China buying up a controlling interest in one of your country's large resource mining company's and watch the panic as she gains a greater foothold to your nation's bounty finally to wake up to see that shee not only mines what she wants, she also controls the price.

Its like American Imperialism all over ...[text shortened]... house from under you leaving you to wonder when the notice of eviction will come into effect.

are they still retaining those AUS mining executives?

Originally posted by zeeblebot
are they still retaining those AUS mining executives?

from what i remember it was just the chinese born rio executive who took the fall. our government was embarrased in that it was shown to be powerless to do anything diplomatically to get him back, but I suspect the failed Chinalco deal between China's sovereign fund and Rio may have had something to do with it. And then the guy simply dropped from the news cycle and I honestly could not tell you what became of him...

Residence: Shanghai.

Rio Tinto fired him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stern_Hu

Following the trial, Stern Hu was sentenced to 10 years jail.[10] Hu and other convicted executives have also had their employment terminated by Rio Tinto Ltd.[1] It is reported that the motive behind the terminations is in regards to a breach of conduct, with Rio Tinto accepting the evidence provided showing instances of bribery. Rio Tinto also states that the trial will not affect business ties, according to its chief executive.[11]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/dont-kowtow-to-the-chinese/story-e6frg6zo-1225931985418

http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/183929-sober-realist/13592-rio-tinto-espionage-case-analyzed-by-stratfor

Originally posted by zeeblebot
http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/183929-sober-realist/13592-rio-tinto-espionage-case-analyzed-by-stratfor

the interesting part is that Stern Hu had a sterling reputation as not using bribery, and the other wonderful aspect of this case was that in any negotiation, sensitive details crop up but in Hu's case this dance to completion of trade were deemed in a sinister light