Topic
Rare earths are increasingly important for some high-tech products such as smartphones and hybrid cars. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of rare earths, accounting for 90 per cent of the world’s supply of all rare earths. In 2011, China has been criticised for curbing rare earth exports, and in 2011 it exported 16,900 tonnes of rare earth, down 58 per cent from year ago. It consumed about 83,000 tonnes, against global demand of 110,000 tonnes in 2011, according to an industry estimate.
Controls on exports of two materials come in the face of US semiconductor restrictions, and may reflect fears ‘tech war’ will spread to increasingly scarce resources.
- As more countries find caches of rare earth minerals, China’s status as the world’s top exporter is being challenged
- The metals are essential raw materials for tech, and demand is growing – but China’s share of the global share is getting smaller as countries diversify
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The comprehensive strategic partnership will support expanded cooperation on a range of issues, including climate, energy, defence and security.
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High-risk, high-cost mega-infrastructure projects like those backed by Belt and Road Initiative decline in popularity, with developments now seen in sectors with faster returns and fewer operating costs.
Canberra has placed nickel in its critical minerals list, which allows industry players access to billions of dollars.
Beijing’s decision to resume global shipments after months-long halt triggered a leap in sales of the mineral key to manufacturing semiconductors.
New restrictions aim to solidify China’s dominance in rare earth magnet production and help the country catch up with Japan.
Senate resolution to ratify UN Convention on the Law of the Sea appears doubtful amid American culture wars despite enjoying some bipartisan support.
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British MPs warn that the UK is almost entirely dependent on imports of critical minerals needed to make key everyday items such as smartphones.
The South China Sea dispute between China and Vietnam is not expected to become a sticking point during Xi’s meetings in Hanoi.
Strong ties between China and world’s major mineral exporters, especially those with vast copper and nickel resources, leave West playing catch-up in securing supplies.
President Xi Jinping pledged more measures to attract foreign investors in November, Premier Li Qiang took the helm at the Central Financial Commission and China announced visa-free entry plans.
Rare earths included on list a day before new graphite export restrictions come into effect.
Malaysia’s move to grow its rare earth industry by deepening ties with Australian mining giant Lynas has fuelled more fears of environmental damage.
The Critical Raw Materials Act was proposed in March to ensure the EU’s access to a sustainable supply of raw materials crucial to the digital, aerospace and defence sectors, and the green energy push.
China has not invested enough in the exploration of strategic minerals, according to natural resources minister Wang Guanghua, with national security and self-reliance an increasing concern for Beijing.
China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday asked exporters of rare earth metals and oxide products to report transactions, with importers of crude oil, iron ore, copper ore concentrates and potash fertiliser also asked to report orders and shipments.
Previously, Lynas was only allowed to import and process lanthanide concentrate which contains radioactive material until January 2024.
With export controls already put in place by the West over semiconductors and other necessary components for the development of its tech industry, China is making strides in finding other paths to keep up supplies of the minerals it needs to produce and innovate at scale.
The extension of Lynas’ license comes amid Malaysian concerns regarding radiation levels from the cracking and leaching operations during raw material processing.
During the stoppage, key personnel from the Malaysian plant will be deployed to assist with the start-up process of its rare-earths processing facility in Western Australia
First provincial-level high-quality development plan from China’s State Council for the Inner Mongolia autonomous region focuses on ecology, energy, strategic minerals and border security.
Scientists confirm the discovery of new type of niobium ore in world’s largest rare earth deposit.
State Department report on alleged damage Beijing’s influence operations inflict on America’s reputation overseas is latest cause for Washington alarm.
