China rare earths

17 elements are identified as rare earth metals. They are not considered rare because they are difficult to find but rather because they are difficult to mine or more specially to mine without harming the environment. 95% of these metals are currently mined in China. The one mine in the US was shut down because it was considered too dirty. There is a group trying to start a mine in Wyoming but they are in a battle with environmentalist who seem unaware of the countries dependency on China. The mines in China are creating radioactive waste along with many undesirable chemicals and the ground water is contaminated in large areas and the poison is slowly making its way to several rivers including the Yellow river which is only 6 miles away and provides drinking water to millions.