China has addressed many of the global rare earth elements (REE) industry’s concerns through the publication of is white paper, ‘Situation and Policies of China’s Rare Earth Industry’, announced by its Information Office of the State Council on 20 June.
The 9,000-word document contained detailed information on the current situation of China’s REE industry, together with development targets, plans for resource conservation, environmental protection, technological advancement and international trade policies.
Officials from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) attended a press conference following the announcement to answer questions from reporters. The officials included Su Bo, China’s vice minister; Jia Yinsong, inspector of the source material department and director of the rare earth office; and Gao Yunhu, vice director of the source material department and rare earth office.
Questions centred on environmental matters, the current price...