This article it seems is more influenced by geo political concerns than a plot by the nuclear industry.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101001-energy-rare-earth-metals/
In this article, again the nuclear component seems to be lacking. It is more a general economic and trade issue in the political forum. It shows that industry is searching for ways to minimize or replace the use of rare earth metals, but that there is a need as stated earlier, for technologies to continue to evolve to overcome an availability issue.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/03/120330-china-rare-earth-minerals-energy/
This article is from the mining industry, in the economic challenges of mining extraction and processing of rare earth metals. Again, no direct connection to the nuclear lobby. The industry does see a shortfall in the future. This article is from May 2013, so the problem still persists for the supply chain for industry in general, not just renewable energy.
http://www.miningweekly.com/article/critical-alternative-rare-earths-sources-still-not-secured-since-chinas-2010-export-restrictions-2013-05-17-1
New demand has recently strained supply, and there is growing concern that the world may soon face a shortage of rare earths. Within several years, global demand for rare earths elements is expected to exceed supply by 40 000 t/y unless significant new sources are developed.
Rare-earth elements consist of 17 elements on the periodic table, including 15 elements beginning with atomic number 57 (lanthanum), extending through to number 71 (lutetium), and including the elements yttrium and scandium, which have similar properties.
These are referred to as “rare” because, although relatively abundant in total quantity, they appear in low concentrations in the earth’s crust and extraction and processing are both difficult and costly.
end edit
A new research group has been recently formed to address this shortage that is of an obvious concern to many others in industry. It is a DOE project, The Critical Minerals Institute.
https://cmi.ameslab.gov
As stated earlier, it will be one of the challenges that faces wind, solar, and other industries associated, to keep evolving. The build out the OP, the IEA paper says is possible, would be massive. And the demand on materials will be a part of that challenge. But it is a concern that reaches far beyond the nuclear lobby.
= new reply since forum marked as read