RARE EARTH MANIA?

"BEIJING (AP) -- China said it is reducing the amount of rare earths it will export for the first half of the year by more than 10 percent -- likely to be an unpopular move worldwide since the minerals are vital to the manufacture of high-tech products.

China accounts for 97 percent of the global production of rare earths, which are essential to devices as varied as cell phones, computer drives and hybrid cars. Countries were alarmed when Beijing blocked shipments of the minerals to Japan earlier this year amid a dispute over islands claimed by both countries.

Concerns over China's grip on rare earths has led countries on a hunt for alternative sources. A number of companies in North America -- notably Molycorp Inc. in the U.S. and Thompson Creek Metals Co. in Canada -- are hurrying to open or reopen rare earth mines. Two Australian companies are also preparing to mine rare earths."

Several penny stocks have been the butt of WILD speculation, several do not have any revenue....rising from pennies in matter of months to double digit $'s.......how can one country control 97% of exports of anything? It is possible those rare stocks can run some more, but it will be VERY DIFFICULT to reach a fair valuation, the stocks performance is MOMO driven, so be very careful if you tread on rare air, you could get caught near a top with wild volatility, this doesn't seem to be a bet the house speculation, mad money only you wouldn't miss if your timing is poor.

D