China tightens rare earth rules, extending controls to imported minerals
Under new guidelines, producers must report data on the flow of strategic materials, including those coming from abroad for refining
The rules were released as guidelines on the implementation of the country’s Rare Earth Management Regulations, which took effect in October. The rules specify that China’s quota system applies not only to domestically produced materials but also to those coming from abroad for refining – a change that some fear could put further pressure on global supply.
Rare earth production enterprises should, by the 10th day of each month, enter the previous month’s data on the flow of rare earth products into a newly established information system, according to the document issued by three departments led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The document, effective immediately, provides detailed guidelines on how government agencies should manage quotas for designated companies and make the flow of rare earth products traceable.
In an interpretation of the new rules, the MIIT noted that rare earths were important strategic mineral resources, and changes in the industry meant that earlier rules were no longer suitable for current needs.