Rare Earths In China Research Articles

Production forecast of China׳s rare earths based on the Generalized Weng model and policy recommendations

China is currently the largest producer of rare earths in the world, mining at least 90% of world total production. Because of China׳s dominant position in global rare earths production and the constant development of rare earths terminal industries, the study of China׳s rare earth supply trends has gradually been a hot topic of world interest. However, the literature shows that previous research has mainly focused on the estimation of rare earth supply and its influence based on experiential judge of current and premonitory new rare earth production capacity, rather than on quantitative modeling. The results are usually estimations of the productions of near future rather than longer term. Forecasts by mine types are particularly rare. Considering the different applications and demands of different rare earth elements, the Generalized Weng model, a widely used quantitative model in exhaustible resource forecast, is adopted in this study to predict the production of the three major rare earths in China (namely, mixed rare earth, bastnasite and ion-absorbed rare earth) before 2050. The results show that production of mixed rare earth will peak in 2014 at 62,757t, followed thereafter by an annual decline of 2%; production of bastnasite will peak in 2018 at 32,312t, preceded by an annual increase of 1.67% and followed by an annual decrease of 4%; production of ion-absorbed rare earth will peak in 2024 at 45,793t, preceded by an annual increase of 1.72% and followed by an annual decrease of 4%. Based on these findings, Chinese government should enforce environmental and resource exhaustible taxes soon and different domestic regulations for different rare earths according to their different production potential. Countries without resource endowments should make efforts to develop rare earth recycling technologies and seek substitutes for rare earth resources, in addition to keeping good international trading relationships. Countries with some kind of rare earths should start or restart their rare earth mines to gradually reduce dependence on China׳s supply.

Contrasting perspectives on China's rare earths policies: Reframing the debate through a stakeholder lens

This article critically compares China's rare earth policy with perspectives upheld in the rest of the world (ROW). We introduce rare earth elements and their importance for energy and present how China and the ROW are framing the policy debate. We find strongly dissonant views with regards to motives for foreign direct investment, China's two-tiered pricing structure and its questionable innovation potential. Using the metaphor of “China Inc.”, we compare the Chinese government to a socially responsible corporation that aims to balance the needs of its internal stakeholders with the demands from a resource-dependent world. We find that China's internal stakeholders have more power and legitimacy in the REE debate than the ROW and reconceptualise various possible mitigation strategies that could change current international policy and market dynamics. As such, we aim to reframe the perspectives that seem to govern the West and argue in favor of policy formation that explicitly acknowledges China's triple bottom line ambitions and encourages the ROW to engage with China in a more nuanced manner.

China's Rare Earths Export Quotas: Out of the China-Raw Materials Gate, But Past the WTO's Finish Line?

Several recent studies have discussed the ramifications of the China -- Raw Materials case for China's rare earths. However, none of these studies has conducted a thorough investigation of China's current export quota regime for rare earths or how it might stand up under WTO rules, assuming that it would be treated the same. This article makes no such assumption, investigating China's export quota regime for rare earths as it stands in early June 2012. The regime is somewhat improved over that applied during the Raw Materials case and could allow a more favourable WTO ruling. However, if General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) disciplines are interpreted narrowly, as in China -- Raw Materials, this article finds that the current regime still falls short of certain GATT exceptions. This article informs future analyses of China's export quota regime for rare earths. Beyond the case of China, it also invites discussion on the appropriate amount of 'policy space' WTO Members should enjoy for imposing export quotas under the relevant GATT disciplines for resource conservation and environmental protection. The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.

The Strategic Implications of China's Rare Earths Policy

Drawing on literature in China studies, strategic theory, and expert interviews, this article analyzes the possibility of "rare earths" being leveraged by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in a crisis. The evidence suggests China's position in the rare earths market could constitute a significant security liability for the United States. It also seems that even if coercion fails to materialize, China's rare earths policies have the potential to intensify security dilemmas in Sino-American relations.

Applications of X-ray fluorescence analysis of rare earths in China

A review was presented on the applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis in Chinese rare earth industry during the last 20 years. The application consisted of the analysis of rare earth elements in ores and soil, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys, functional materials, fast and online analysis in separation process, and so on. The analytical method was described on pressed powders, fused beads, liquid thin films and solid pieces. The detections of rare earth elements and compounds were concerned in iron and steel, nonferrous metals, petrochemical, geology, biology, electronic materials and other fields.

Rare earth applications and their market in China

Resources and production of rare earths in China are reviewed. A survey of their applications and market is also presented.