China issues regulations on rare earth elements administration

BEIJING – Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a decree from the State Council, promulgating a set of regulations on the management of rare earth elements.

The regulations, which will enter into force on October 1, provide that the country will pay equal attention to the protection of resources and the management and use of rare earth elements, guided by the principles of comprehensive planning, ensuring safety and supporting technological innovation and ecological development.

The country will promote high-quality development of the rare earth industry and encourage the research, development and application of new technologies, new materials and new equipment, in accordance with regulations.

The regulations define penalties for illegal activities in areas including mining, metallurgy and rare earth extraction, product distribution, as well as illegal import and export.

Rare earth elements consist of 17 elements that are widely used in high-tech products from flat-screen TVs to lasers and hybrid cars.