Highlights

• Baogang Group and Baiyin city formalize a strategic partnership targeting expanded rare earth and non-ferrous metal collaboration.
• The agreement aims to deepen industrial integration and support Gansu Province's rare earth processing capabilities.
• Executives from both organizations signed a framework to enhance joint investments and innovation in rare earth supply chains.

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In a high-level meeting on July 3, 2025, Baogang Group—China’s industrial giant and dominant light rare earth miner—signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the city of Baiyin, Gansu Province. The pact signals a deepening alliance between one of China's rare earth powerhouses and a regional government heavily invested in the non-ferrous and rare earth industrial chain.

Baogang Chairman Meng Fanying and Baiyin Party Secretary Yang Jianwu presided over the signing ceremony, which senior Gansu provincial officials, including Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Deng Hua attended. Baiyin Mayor Zhang Yanbao chaired the session.

Meng emphasized that Baogang and Baiyin share over five decades of industrial integration. The new agreement aims to expand the scope, depth, and number of collaborative ventures, with Meng pledging stronger support for Gansu’s rare earth ambitions and enhanced cooperation with Baiyin-based enterprises. She framed the partnership as an opportunity to “extend the cooperation chain” and align both sides toward shared, long-term strategic goals.

Yang welcomed the deal, noting Baiyin’s rapid transformation into a modern rare earth and non-ferrous metals hub. He acknowledged Baogang and China Northern Rare Earth (a Baogang subsidiary) as critical players behind Baiyin’s industrial growth. The framework agreement, he said, offers a foundation for expanded joint investment, industrial recruitment, and innovation in rare earth supply chains.

Senior executives from both sides—Liu Peixun (Baogang) and Liu Huquan (Baiyin)—formalized the agreement. During the visit, Baogang’s delegation also toured Baiyin Nonferrous Metals Group, signaling interest in copper and potential multi-metal synergies.

REEx Analysis

This is a strategic realignment worth watching. Gansu Province, and Baiyin in particular, is positioning itself as a western China rare earth processing node—potentially diversifying Baogang’s historically Inner Mongolia-centric operations.

Key investor questions:

• Will this agreement lead to rare earth separation or magnet production capacity in Gansu?
• How will this impact China’s national consolidation under the “Big Six” rare earth groups?
• Are U.S.-bound or global export channels affected by the shift in geographic footprint?

REEx will monitor downstream developments for signs of supply chain or policy shifts.

Gansu Province: