The Japs have found a huge deposit
of rare earths under the Pacific. They contain minerals that we all rely on for modern technology and which, currently, the Chinese have a near-monopoly on. The current global total deposits they're mining at the moment equal 100 million tonnes or so. The Pacific deposits are estimated to be in the billions.

This makes me hopeful for two reasons. Firstly breaking Chinese dominance can only be a good thing as they've restricted access before during a diplomatic dispute and as they get more powerful they'll only get more bolshy

Secondly I strongly believe that the only way we're getting out of the environmental mess we've made for ourselves is through the application of technology and the replacement of oil as a power source. A huge cache of minerals that we can either use directly as fuel or as a means of producing fuel is a very positive thing.

/serious answer
( Kroney, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:23, 1 reply, 15 years ago)

Are we still pals with the Japanese?
Countries fall in and out of favour with each other so often, it's like a bloody schoolyard.
( girlinthehole, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:28, Reply)

That's the best bit
the deposit's all in international waters.
( Kroney, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:28, Reply)

Hurrah!

( girlinthehole, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:29, Reply)

Link, if you're interested
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14009910
( Kroney, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:33, Reply)

Yes I am, thanks.

( girlinthehole, Tue 5 Jul 2011, 10:36, Reply)