China issues interim rules on rare earth management

BEIJING -- Chinese authorities have unveiled a set of interim rules to strengthen the control and management of rare earth mining, smelting and separation.

The interim rules, made public on Friday, were jointly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Taking into account factors including national economic development goals, the country's rare earth reserves and their types, industry development, ecological protection, and market demand, authorities will set annual quota targets for rare earth mining, smelting and separation, and further allocate these quotas to related firms, according to the rules.

These firms should conduct mining, smelting and separation activities within the approved quota limits, while strictly complying with laws and administrative regulations.

The rules also specify that rare earth producers should keep accurate records of product flows and upload the data to a traceability information system for rare earth products.

Local authorities have been urged to step up supervision and inspection of quota implementation and address violations in accordance with the law.

Rare earths, consists of 17 elements, that are widely used in high-tech products ranging from flat-screen TVs to lasers and hybrid cars.