Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP
Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP
World

Gold rush tailings may be a rare earths bonanza for US

American miners of old had eyes only for gold and silver, but the dirt and rock they tossed aside may provide source of vital, hi-tech minerals

AP

Updated: 3:46am, 23 Jul, 2013

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Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP
Six different rare earths oxides (left) and a 1905 picture (above) of tailings at the Cherokee mine in Butte County, California.Photos: AP
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