Australia delays ruling in China rare-earths deal

Australia has again delayed a decision on a Chinese state-owned firm’s proposed bid for rare-earths miner Lynas Corp, a deal that promises to keep the spotlight on strained Australia-China relations.

China dominates the world supply of rare earths, metallic elements used in everything from flatscreens and car parts to lightbulbs and i-Pods, but Lynas’s proposed Mt Weld mine in west Australia promises to open up a major new source outside China.

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