The term rare earths refers to a group of minerals that are important in the manufacture of a wide range of high-technology products. They are used to make a wide variety of electronic goods, including mobile phones and flat-screen televisions and can be found in specialized industrial products like drills, components for electric automobiles and military equipment. Rare earths are also crucial to the manufacture of compact fluorescent light bulbs, electric cares and wind turbine.

China is a leading provider of rare earth metals and the demand has never been greater. So great is the demand and many criminals have gone into the mining business in China. Until recently the Chinese government turned a blind eye but now that is changing and the Chinese government is cracking down on illegal mining