Quantum CEO calls for U.S. Department of the Interior to assess, Stockpile, Rare Earths - Company Endorses Federal Legislation

 

Vancouver, B.C., June 1, 2011 – Quantum Rare Earth Developments Corp.  (TSX.V – QRE, FSE – BR3, OTCQX - QREDF) is calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior to spearhead efforts to assess the nation’s mineral resources and to establish a stockpile of rare earth materials.

Quantum CEO Peter Dickie endorsed activities in the U.S. government and Congress to strengthen the nation’s rare earth materials security, including the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011, legislation by U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO). The bill directs the Department of the Interior to coordinate a government-wide assessment of the nation’s mineral resources and availability for critical mineral needs. 

Strategic rare earth materials are vital to national security and high-tech industries, according the U.S. Department of Defense and manufacturing experts. Dickie pointed out, “China produces 97 percent of the world’s rare earth elements.  It makes no sense to rely so heavily on just one foreign source for these strategic materials.  If a long-term supply disruption were to occur, everything from jet engines to super alloys to high-tech magnets in MRI machines would be impacted. The time to plan for the future is now by building a stockpile.”

Expertise within the Department of the Interior at the U.S. Geological Survey has been an invaluable resource to Quantum Rare Earth Developments.  The USGS has stated, "The Elk Creek carbonatite, located south of Lincoln (Nebraska), has the potential to be one of the largest global resources of niobium and rare-earth elements (REE).”

Quantum currently is conducting drilling operations in southeastern Nebraska, to determine the extent and composition of the niobium deposit. Recent tests have shown that a large deposit of niobium exists in the area, in addition to substantial zones of rare-earth elements (REE’s).

Niobium is used as a steel hardener for high- strength, low-alloy steel, including ‘super alloys’ for aerospace and defense industries, and as a steel hardener in natural gas pipelines. It is also used in high-tech magnets, included those in MRI machines. The U.S. government considers niobium to be a strategic metal. 

Quantum has also voiced its strong support for a provision in the Fiscal Year 2012 U.S. defense authorization bill that directs the Department of Defense to set up an inventory of rare earth materials and supply sources.  The language was authored by Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO).

Quantum Rare Earth Developments Corp., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an exploration company with a focus on seeking out potentially economic deposits of niobium and rare earth elements in North America and elsewhere in the world. 

“Peter Dickie”
Peter Dickie, President
For further information, contact Peter Dickie, President and CEO of the Company at (604) 568-7365.  
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