Rare Earth Exchanges

China Northern Rare Earth Executive Elected to Lead Global Rare Earth Standards Committee (ISO/TC 298)

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Highlights

  • Liu Haifeng’s election as ISO/TC 298 Chair marks China’s first leadership role in international rare earth standards.
  • China controls over 90% of rare earth processing and now gains strategic influence in global standardization efforts.
  • The ISO committee includes 18 participating and 19 observing member countries.
  • 12 standards have already been published by the ISO committee.

In a significant milestone for China’s rare earth industry, Liu Haifeng, Assistant General Manager of China Northern Rare Earth Group, has been elected Chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Rare Earths (ISO/TC 298). This marks the first time a Chinese expert has held this leadership position, signifying a breakthrough in China’s influence over international standardization in the rare earth sector.

ISO Quality for Rare Earth Materials

ISO/TC 298 (opens in a new tab), established in 2015 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, focuses on developing international standards for rare earth materials. The committee currently includes 18 participating member countries, such as the U.S., Japan, Canada, and Australia, and 19 observing members, including Vietnam and South Africa. To date, the committee has published 12 ISO standards, which serve as global benchmarks for rare earth production and applications.

Liu’s election underscores China Northern Rare Earth’s growing scientific and technical leadership and highlights China’s broader strategic push to solidify its dominance in the global rare earth value chain. By leading this influential committee, China strengthens its voice in shaping international standards and ensures its industrial practices align with or define global benchmarks.

Leadership Role

With China already controlling over 90% of rare earth processing, this development further consolidates its control over the strategic sector. Standards set by ISO/TC 298 impact global trade, production quality, and technological applications, potentially giving China a pivotal role in defining the rules for rare earth utilization worldwide.

For countries reliant on rare earth imports, such as the U.S. and its allies, this election underscores the urgency of establishing alternative supply chains, investing in domestic capabilities, and participating more actively in international standardization efforts. China’s ability to lead in both production and global standardization highlights the strategic depth of its rare earth policies and raises the stakes for global competition in this critical industry.

By combining standardization, innovation, and its existing resource dominance, China Northern Rare Earth continues to position itself as a world-class leader in rare earths, shaping not only the market but also the rules of engagement for decades to come.

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