China has recently discovered two new rare earth minerals, oboniobite and scandio-fluoro-eckermannite, at the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia. This mine is renowned as the world’s largest rare earths deposit. The discovery, announced by Li Xianhua from the CAS Institute of Geology and Geophysics, was a collaborative effort involving the CAS Institute, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd., the Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and Central South University. The International Mineralogical Association has officially recognized these new minerals and their names.
Significance of the new minerals
These newly discovered minerals are exceptional due to their rarity and the presence of valuable elements such as niobium and scandium. These metals hold significant potential for various high-tech applications, including new materials, energy technologies, information technology, aerospace, and defense.
China’s new rare earths policy
In conjunction with these discoveries, the Chinese government has announced a new policy to strengthen its rare earths industry. The policy aims to foster innovation by encouraging research and development in new technologies, processes and materials.
Since 1959, researchers from Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co. have identified 20 new minerals, with oboniobite and scandio-fluoro-eckermannite being the latest additions. The new regulations, which will take effect on October 1, assert that rare earth metals are state property. These regulations are viewed by some as a measure to ensure national security amid the ongoing technology rivalry with the U.S., while others see them as a response to illegal mining activities by private entities.
Stricter controls on mining and trade
Under the new regulations, the Chinese government will impose strict controls on the mining, smelting, and trade of rare earth elements, which are crucial for advanced technologies such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. The regulations will also introduce a product traceability system to oversee the circulation of rare earths.
Premier Li Qiang of the State Council signed the order on June 29, and it will take effect on October 1. The policy defines rare earths, a group of 17 minerals, as exclusively state property, prohibiting any individual or organization from claiming ownership.
Impact on global technology and trade
Analysts predict that the new regulations will impose stricter legal penalties for unlawful practices in rare earth mining and smelting. Additionally, China’s recent expansion of its restricted export list includes technologies related to rare earth production. This update is seen as a move to protect China’s economic and technological interests by limiting the free export of critical technologies.
European response and opportunities
In response to China’s restrictions, Europe is exploring opportunities to secure its own rare earth supplies. Notably, Norwegian mining company Rare Earths Norway has discovered one of Europe’s largest rare earth deposits in the Fen Carbonatite Complex in southern Norway. This finding represents a significant opportunity for Europe to reduce its reliance on imported rare earths and advance its strategic independence in critical metals.
These developments underscore the increasing global competition for rare earth elements and highlight the importance of securing sustainable and reliable sources of these crucial materials.
