Rare Earth Exchanges

China Northern Rare Earth Participates at ISO/TC in Denmark

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Highlights

  • Over 60 experts from multiple countries convened in Denmark for ISO/TC 298’s plenary session to standardize rare earth processes.
  • Liu Haifeng from China Northern Rare Earth nominated as new chairperson, marking a significant milestone in international rare earth standardization.
  • First product-type rare earth international standard for Praseodymium-Nd Metal approved, highlighting collaborative global efforts.

The 9th plenary session and working group meeting of the International Organization for Standardization’s Rare Earth Technical Committee (ISO/TC 298) (opens in a new tab) convened recently in Bjerringbro, Denmark. This assembly brought together over 60 expert representatives from various countries, both in-person and online, to advance the standardization of rare earth elements.

ISO/TC 298 Overview

Established in 2015 with China serving as the secretariat, ISO/TC 298 focuses on standardizing processes related to rare earth mining, concentration, extraction, separation, and conversion into useful compounds and materials. The committee comprises 18 participating members, including China, Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and India, as well as 19 observing members such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Africa. To date, ISO/TC 298 has published 12 international standards.

China’s Leadership and Participation

During the meeting, Liu Haifeng, assistant to the general manager of China Northern Rare Earth, was nominated as the new chairperson candidate for ISO/TC 298. This nomination marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time an expert from China Northern Rare Earth has been elected to this position. Liu co-chaired the general meeting alongside the current chairperson, Ma Cunzhen.

China Northern Rare Earth’s involvement extended to six registered experts participating in discussions across 17 projects within five working groups. These groups focus on rare earth element recycling, traceability packaging labeling, analysis and testing, sustainability, and product standards.

Development of “Praseodymium-Nd Metal” Standard

A notable development was the inaugural meeting of the working group dedicated to the international standard “Praseodymium-Nd Metal,” led by the Institute of Rare Earths with participation from China Northern Rare Earth. Wang Yan, chief researcher at the Information Center of the Institute of Rare Earths, convened this group—the only one chaired by a Chinese representative during this session. Approved in June 2024, this standard represents ISO/TC 298’s first product-type rare earth international standard.

Implications for China’s Rare EarthIndustry

China Northern Rare Earth’s active participation in this conference signifies a historic breakthrough in the international standardization of rare earths. It enhances China’s influence and competitiveness in the global rare earth industry, promoting high-quality development of national standardization efforts. The company plans to integrate various resources and research capabilities to advance the rare earth standard system, contributing to international standardization and participating in the construction of a global standard system with a more open attitude.

What other Motives?

The narrative emphasizes China’s leadership and contributions to ISO/TC 298, which may reflect a nationalistic bias, highlighting domestic achievements in the international arena. It assumes that China’s increased participation will inherently lead to enhanced global influence and competitiveness, without critically assessing potential challenges or the perspectives of other member countries. Additionally, the focus on China’s role may overlook the collaborative nature of ISO/TC 298, where multiple nations contribute to standard development.

In conclusion, the 9th plenary session of ISO/TC 298 underscores China’s proactive engagement in the international standardization of rare earth elements. While this involvement positions China as a key player in shaping global standards, it is essential to recognize the collaborative efforts of all participating countries in advancing the rare earth industry.

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