China’s rare earth industry has critical weakness, researchers warn

AI Summary

A recent study by Chinese researchers highlights a critical weakness in China's rare earth industry, noting that the country is not leading in mastering key core technologies despite its dominance in mining, refining, and exports. The study shifts focus from resource reserves to technological capabilities.

China’s dominance in rare earth mining, refining and exports has long been viewed as a strategic advantage. But a new study by Chinese researchers argues that the country’s rare earth industry has its own critical weakness. “China is not in a leading position in mastering key core technologies in certain fields,” the researchers wrote in the paper. Published in the latest issue of the Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study shifts the focus away from resource reserves and...