About a third of the world 's rare earth deposits are in China but the country controls around 97 % of production , in part due to its lower labor costs and less stringent environmental regulations . The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade case over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earths are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . They can be found in everything from computers to cell phones to solar panels.
The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade case over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earths are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . They can be found in everything from computers to cell phones to solar panels.