Race to Replace China’s Rare Earths May Take Decade

China’s decision to curb exports of rare earths is set to spark a global race for alternative sources that may still take a decade to secure sufficient supplies, the head of the German commodities agency said.

More rigid environmental standards in the European Union and ethical questions over sourcing raw materials from developing nations mean there can be no quick fixes in finding viable alternatives to China, producer of more than 90 percent of the world’s rare earths, said Volker Steinbach, who heads the Hanover-based government agency. Stepping up global pressure on the Chinese government to resume exports may be the best short-term option, he said.