China banned exports of rare earth extraction and separation technology, in a move it said was partly aimed at protecting national security.
- It also banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials as well as technology to prepare some rare earth magnets.
- China is the world’s top miner and processor of rare earths, widely used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and other technologies.
- Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets for use in electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics.
- China has mastered the solvent extraction process to refine the strategic minerals, which Western rare earth companies have struggled to deploy due to technical complexities and pollution concerns.
