Fourth Baiyun Forum Successfully Held in Baotou

Highlights

• The Fourth Baiyun Forum was held August 8, 2026, at Baotou's Baogang Hotel, organized by the State Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Bayan Obo Rare Earth Resources.
• Baotou's rare earth industry output grew from RMB 63 billion in 2022 to RMB 120.5 billion in 2025, with a target exceeding RMB 150 billion in 2026.
• Baogang Group is accelerating its transformation into a new-materials enterprise by leveraging its rare earth resource advantages and deepening industry-university-research cooperation.
• Fourteen experts presented research on rare earth metallurgy, new materials, and commercialization strategies, strengthening links between academia and industry.
• The forum advances Xi Jinping's directive to make Baotou China's largest rare earth new-materials base and the world's leading rare earth application hub.

---

On August 8, 2026, the Fourth “Baiyun Forum” opened at the Baogang Hotel in Baotou. The event was organized by the State Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Bayan Obo Rare Earth Resources and hosted by Zhejiang University and the Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths. The forum sought to implement President Xi Jinping’s directive to build Baotou into “China’s largest rare earth new-materials production base and the world’s leading rare earth application base.”

Its purpose was to advance the efficient, high-quality use of critical strategic resources, including the rare earth resources at Bayan Obo. Academicians, experts, and business leaders working in rare earth metallurgy, rare earth new materials, and related fields were invited to present recent research and explore new approaches to technology development and commercialization.

Yan Mi, Director of the State Key Laboratory for Research and Comprehensive Utilization of Bayan Obo Rare Earth Resources, Chaired the Meeting

Baiyun Forum Becomes a High-Level Rare Earth Platform

Yan Mi chaired the meeting and delivered a brief report. He said the Baiyun Forum began working with government authorities in 2022 and has gradually developed into a high-level academic forum.

Each year, it brings together prominent academicians and industry experts to discuss the future direction of China’s rare earth science and technology. The forum also responds to Xi Jinping’s directive to establish Baotou as China’s largest rare earth new-materials base and the world’s leading rare earth application base. Yan said leaders from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Baotou have placed greater expectations on rare earth professionals and experts. The Baiyun Forum was convened within this broader policy environment.

Baogang Accelerates Its Transformation into a New-Materials Company

Liu Zhengang said the Fourth Baiyun Forum comes at a critical point in Baotou Iron and Steel Group’s strategic transformation. The group is using its rare earth resource advantages to accelerate its shift into a new-materials enterprise.

He emphasized that rare earths are national strategic resources. Their development and application affect both the national economy and national security. China must therefore use scientific and technological innovation to convert its resource advantages into broader development advantages.

Baotou Iron and Steel Group, also known as Baogang Group, is acting on the instructions Xi Jinping delivered during his 2023 visit to Inner Mongolia. Through the Baiyun Forum, the group intends to bring together leading specialists, deepen cooperation among industry, universities, and research institutions, and accelerate the commercialization of scientific achievements.

Baogang is coordinating the development of Inner Mongolia’s ferrous and nonferrous resources and using rare earths to lead its corporate transformation. Liu called on participants to contribute scientific and technological expertise to the protection and high-value use of western China’s nonferrous resources and to the country’s major strategic objectives.

Baotou’s Rare Earth Industry Targets RMB 150 Billion in 2026

Jin Yongli, vice mayor of Baotou, delivers remarks.

Jin Yongli said rare earths are critical national strategic resources and that the Bayan Obo mine, described as the world’s largest rare earth mine, is a central foundation for advanced manufacturing, new energy, and national defense.

Since Xi Jinping issued his directive during a June 2023 visit to Inner Mongolia, Baotou has relied on its world-class resource base and established industrial infrastructure to move its rare earth industry toward higher-end, more specialized, and higher-value production.

More than 300 rare earth companies have established operations in Baotou. The industry’s output value increased from RMB 63 billion in 2022 to RMB 120.5 billion in 2025. It is expected to exceed RMB 150 billion in 2026.

Jin emphasized that scientific and technological innovation is the primary driver of industrial development. Baotou is relying on the State Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Bayan Obo Rare Earth Resources to overcome critical technical challenges and establish the city as a major national center for rare earth research and development.

Since its launch in 2022, the Baiyun Forum has become a high-level academic platform where leading experts discuss frontier technologies. This year’s event focused on industrial bottlenecks and the future of innovation.

Jin invited experts to offer recommendations for Baotou and help convert research into commercial applications. She said the city would fully implement preferential policies for skilled professionals and create an innovation environment in which talent can build careers and pursue long-term development.

Fourteen Experts Present Rare Earth Research and Applications

Following the opening remarks, 14 experts and scholars—including Long Weimin, chief scientist at the China Academy of Machinery Science and Technology Group—delivered presentations on emerging industry technologies, major scientific breakthroughs, and recent applications.

The presentations highlighted advances in rare earth research, production processes, and equipment. They also strengthened connections between academic research and industry, providing new ideas and practical references for innovation across the rare earth sector.