China tightens export controls on rare-earth industry

A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. - Reuters

BEIJING: China announced further controls Thursday (Oct 9) on the export of rare-earth technologies and items, adding to existing regulations on the critical industry.

Rare earths have represented a major sticking point in recent trade negotiations between China and the United States, with Washington accusing Beijing of slow-walking export licence approvals.