Depending on unreliable Chinese sources for critical magnets and magnetic materials has put the US military and electronics industries at the risk. Using production caps on available supplies starting in July 2005, the Chinese have started controlling the ability of the US to get needed magnets. In addition, the Chinese have been using monopolization tactics to control prices across the board in violation of the World Trade Organization. Their tactics would be illegal in the US. While controlling the quantity of Neodymium available world wide, the Chinese have been aggressively purchasing mineral resources in Australia and attempted to gain a working agreement with Rio Tinto. Recharged Particles goal is to be competitive with the Chinese pricing while creating jobs in the US>
Archive for May, 2010
If a magnet industry cluster is critical for knowledge spillover, and ultimately innovation, to occur, the question that naturally follows is, “Does a magnet industry cluster exist in the US?” I believe it does, though in a weakened state. If you take a US map and put one point of a compass on Dayton, Ohio, extend the other point out roughly 500 miles and draw a circle, you’ll capture the bulk of what is left of the US magnet industry cluster. It’s a wide swath in the center of the US. In the past, this cluster was much more vibrant. It contained many more participants in all areas, including suppliers, manufacturers and consumers. Our goal, return specific portions of the Magnet Industry to the US to improve security of our military and to provide jobs.