Lynas Corp and Ucore Rare Metals in the Spotlight as China Clamps Down Production

NEW YORK, NY, Oct 12, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Demand for rare earth elements continues to skyrocket as the metals play an integral role in modern technology. It is estimated that China holds about 30 percent of the world's rare earth deposits, but accounts for over 95 percent of global production. With prices for the elements surging higher, explorers worldwide are finally trying to cash in on this lucrative sector. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Rare Earth Industry and provides equity research on Lynas Corporation Limited (PINKSHEETS: LYSCF) (ASX: LYC) and Ucore Rare Metals, Inc. (TSX-V: UCU) (PINKSHEETS: UURAF). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.paragonreport.com/LYSCF www.paragonreport.com/UCU

Rare earths came under the spotlight two years ago after China started to reduce export quotas. Beijing's influence aroused concern when exports of rare earths to Japan were temporarily suspended after a diplomatic dispute. China has continued clamping down on production and sale of rare earth elements, citing a need to clean up highly polluting production processes and to stop illegal exports. Beijing said it cracked down on smuggling of rare earths and impose quotas for exports of rare earth alloy products as part of its campaign to strengthen control over the sector.

Statistics collected in Hong Kong show exports of rare earth metals have shrunk in half over the past year. Over the same period, the value of exports has soared to more than $121,000 per tonne, a 10-fold jump from a year ago.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the rare earth industry register with us free at www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Somewhat ironically, while rare earth elements are critical to new green technology such as energy-saving light-bulbs, electric-car batteries, catalytic converters, wind turbine technology and solar panels, the mining and processing of the 17 elements has been met with widespread protest due to environment pollution.

A report from AFP over the weekend reveals that Malaysian protesters rallied against plans to open a rare earth processing plant in an eastern resort town saying they fear it will harm the environment. Thousands attended the sunrise gathering at a seaside park in Kuantan to oppose plans by Australian miner Lynas Corp to open the plant near the town in eastern Pahang state, said activist Tan Bun Teet. The Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) was scheduled to start processing rare earths imported from Australia in the third quarter of this year. However in June, Malaysia said Lynas must comply with safety recommendations made by an international atomic energy panel before it can operate its rare earth plant. Lynas has pledged to meet all recommendations.

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SOURCE: Paragon Financial Limited