Rare Earth News

China considering tighter rare earth exportation regulations

Chinese government officials and industry executives are reportedly in the process of discussing a number of potential measures that could tighten regulations on its exportation of rare earth metals.

According to The Wall Street Journal, officials have expressed concerns that higher global prices have increased smuggling and byproduct exportation.

With China having more than 90 percent of the global market for rare earth metals, the possibility that the country could tighten exporting regulations could make investing in rare earth mining companies in Quebec, Canada, more appealing. Rare earth metal stocks in Quebec can make for wise investments, as the province boasts more than 40 rare earth exploration projects.

Overall, Canada has more than half of the potential rare earth deposits located outside of China, according to reports.

With China looking to perhaps limit exportation of rare earth metals, the U.S. and Mexico recently issued a joint memorandum of understanding to the World Trade Organization, in which it claimed China was engaged in protectionism in its rare earth policies, according to the 21st Century Business Herald.