Unprecedented logistics centre in Latin America financed by Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative is locked in a legal battle over its operation.

A project to mine gallium in a national forest would help reduce US reliance on China but it faces local opposition from conservationists.

With more countries searching for – and finding – stores of rare earth minerals, China’s former near-monopolist role in the trade of the metals is gradually being eroded.

Soil samples brought to Earth by Chinese moon mission show unique mineral was likely produced in Aristarchus crater and ejected northward to sample site.

The comprehensive strategic partnership will support expanded cooperation on a range of issues, including climate, energy, defence and security.

Seoul is concerned it may lose out if Tokyo claims a large portion of Block 7, an underexplored zone in the East China Sea that could hold vast oil reserves.

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.

Demonstrators in Sulawesi gave a list of 23 demands, including smelters be better maintained, to Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel’s management.

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.