Strengthening Rare Earth Management and Supervision for Environmental and Strategic Resource Protection
It Is Impossible for the US and Western Allies to Quickly Reduce Dependence on China's Rare Earths
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China has decided to further strengthen the management and supervision of rare earth elements from the perspective of strategic resources and environmental protection.
According to the website of China's Ministry of Natural Resources on the 29th, the ministry plans to crack down on and punish illegal mining of strategic minerals such as rare earths using satellite imagery. This policy has drawn attention as it comes amid speculation that China may restrict rare earth exports as a countermeasure against the United States and other Western countries.
Chinese rare earth mine
Rare earth elements refer to 17 rare minerals, including 15 lanthanide elements from number 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium) on the periodic table, as well as scandium and yttrium. They have high thermal conductivity and homeostasis that maintains their properties despite external environmental changes, making them widely used in advanced industries such as semiconductors, displays, and batteries. They are also essential elements for weapons manufacturing. Accordingly, when China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released a draft of the "Rare Earth Management Regulations" last January, concerns about the weaponization of rare earths were raised, although the Chinese government denied these claims.
However, China’s rare earth exports have been declining. Last year, exports amounted to 35,447 tons, down 23.5% from the previous year. This is the lowest export volume in the past five years. China’s share of rare earth production also dropped from 90% in 2016 to about 58% last year.
The Global Times reported that illegal rare earth mining near the Yangtze River is causing environmental destruction and emphasized the need to use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, satellites, and drones to prevent illegal mining of rare earths.
Zhou Sijian, former vice chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters, said, "China has recognized the importance of environmental protection alongside the development of the rare earth industry," adding, "The government’s intention to crack down not only on environmental protection but also on illegal mining and smuggling clearly indicates its strong control over rare earths."
The Global Times cited industry insiders in China’s rare earth sector, reporting that while the Quad countries?the United States, Australia, Japan, and India?are funding rare earth development projects and establishing international rare earth regulations, it is impossible to quickly reduce dependence on China.
Former Vice Chairman Zhou emphasized, "As China’s investment and development in advanced technologies such as semiconductors progress, demand for rare earths will surge. China will become a major consumer of rare earths within a few years, following the United States and Japan." He added, "Rare earths are definitely a trump card that China holds and can use when necessary."
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