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China launches three-month drive to clean up rare earth industry
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Authorities have launched a three-month campaign that highlights the role and responsibilities of local governments in cracking down on illegal activity in China’s rare earth sector.
The August 15-November 15 campaign is intended to reduce illegal exploration, production and distribution of rare earth metals and regulate rare earth recycling enterprises, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a statement on its website.
Eight authoritative bodies, including MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Land and Resources, and General Administration of Customs, will join the campaign, it added.
China supplies over 90 percent of the world’s rare earth metals. The country’s rare earth sector raked in 10.8 billion yuan (US$1.75 billion) in profits in 2012, down 32.1 percent from 2011, according to MIIT data.
Authorities have made some efforts to regulate the sector, where illegal mining and production, tax evasion and environmental pollution are rife.
To curb illegal industrial activity, the State Council, China’s cabinet, called for building a well-regulated rare earth exploration, smelting and distribution market within one to two years in 2011.
During previous crackdowns conducted in 2011 and 2012, respectively, 14 unauthorized mines were closed and 14 smuggling cases were investigated, according to Chen Yanhai, director of the Raw Materials Department under the MIIT.
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