Highlights

• China seeks public input on two new regulations to control rare earth mining and improve supply chain tracking.
• Proposed measures include total production quotas and a comprehensive traceability system for rare earth products.
• The regulations could significantly impact global technology and defense industries by reinforcing China's strategic control over rare earth resources.

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The Chinese government is seeking public input on two new regulations aimed at tightening control over rare earth production and improving supply chain transparency. These measures, drafted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), mark another step in Beijing’s strategic management of its rare earth resources, with potential global implications for supply and competition.

The proposed regulations include:

Total Production Quota Control for Rare Earth Mining and Refining

• This regulation aims to strictly limit the total allowable mining and refining of rare earth elements (REEs) in China.

• The policy is designed to prevent over-extraction, safeguard environmental sustainability, and ensure long-term resource security.

• The move aligns with China’s broader strategy of protecting its strategic mineral reserves while maintaining leverage over global supply chains.

Rare Earth Product Information Traceability System

• This rule seeks to establish a comprehensive tracking system for rare earth products from extraction to final use.

• Companies will be required to report and verify the movement of rare earth materials throughout the supply chain.

• The goal is to enhance transparency, curb illegal mining and smuggling, and ensure compliance with state policies.

The public comment period for these draft regulations is open until March 21, 2025.

Implications for the West and Global Markets

These regulatory proposals highlight China’s continued effort to consolidate its control over the rare earth sector, which dominates over 85% of the global refined rare earth supply. By enforcing stricter production quotas and supply chain tracking, China can strategically regulate exports, potentially impacting Western supply chains for critical industries such as defense, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing.

The traceability requirement could also create compliance hurdles for foreign companies reliant on Chinese rare earths, potentially forcing Western firms to diversify supply sources or negotiate more stringent procurement agreements.

As China tightens its grip on rare earth elements, the U.S., EU, and allied nations may face renewed urgency to develop alternative supply chains, invest in domestic mining and refining capabilities, and reduce dependence on Beijing’s mineral dominance. This latest policy shift signals that China remains committed to using rare earths as a strategic asset, reinforcing its competitive edge in the global technology and defense industries.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China