China's Information Office of the State Council has held a press conference to issue a white paper on the country's rare earth minerals and related policies.
The vice minister of Industry and Information Technology, Su Bo elaborated on the white paper and China's efforts in its rare earth management.
The white paper reveals the development of China's rare earth industry. It also illustrates the government's efforts to enhance rare earth management, and the major policies to promote sustainable development of the rare earth industry. There are 6 chapters.
Su Bo says, "The first chapter is on the current rare earth industry situation in China. The second chapter, on development principles and objectives. The third chapter, on effective protection and reasonable use of resources. The fourth chapter, on striking the balance between the reasonable use of resources and the environment protection. The fifth chapter, on advances in technology and industrial upgrading. And the sixth chapter, on fair trade and international cooperation."
Rare earth is an important non-renewable resource -- widely used in social and economic development.
China has become the world's biggest rare earth producer and exporter. The country meets over 90 percent of the world's market supply with 23 percent of the world's rare earth deposits.
However, prominent issues are surfacing. Excessive exploitation and damage of the eco-environment is detrimenting the industry's sustainable development. China has taken many measures to enhance industry management.
Su also says, "First, we have issued many policies and regulations, raised tax collection standards, implemented rare pollutants emission standards, and raised the thresholds for access to the industry. Second, we have carried out campaigns on rare earth production environment protection and fighting smuggling. Third, we have enhanced export management of rare earth. All these showed china's strong sense of responsibility to itself and the world at large."
Su Bo also noted that over the years, China has conformed to the WTO rules and promoted rare earth fair trade. The country stands ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with other countries.
China also calls on other counties with rare earth deposits to develop their own resources, and expand the supply channel to meet global demand. The industry requires global cooperation, letting countries share responsibilities and achievements.