52. China's Rare Earth Industry: A Global Leader

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a technology that relies on rare earth elements?
1. Smartphone speakers and vibration features
2. The processors in laptop computers
3. Magnets in electric car engines
4. Wind turbines for generating clean energy
One of the initial reasons Chinese companies could produce rare earths more cheaply was because
1. they had a more skilled workforce than other countries.
2. they received direct financial aid from the United States.
3. they had fewer environmental regulations to follow.
4. they discovered newer, more efficient mining techniques.
The passage states that China's current share of the global rare earth market is approximately
1. 70% of mining and 60% of refining.
2. 60% of mining and 90% of refining.
3. 70% of mining and nearly 90% of refining.
4. 50% of mining and 70% of refining.
The strategic power China holds over the global supply chain means that a slowdown in its exports could most immediately affect the production of
1. food and agricultural products.
2. clothing and textiles.
3. electronics, cars, and military equipment.
4. construction materials and housing.
What is the main reason the passage suggests it will take years for other countries to challenge China's dominance in the rare earth industry?
1. China owns all the known rare earth mines outside its borders.
2. Other countries are not interested in developing the technology.
3. Building factories and training a skilled workforce is a slow process.
4. The environmental regulations in other countries are now even weaker.