Tech innovation transforming China's rare earth industry

China is pioneering a green transformation of its rare earth industry through world-leading technological innovation, setting global standards for sustainable mineral extraction, company executives and experts said.

For years, China has supplied over 70 percent of global rare earth materials while holding less than 40 percent of reserves — a monumental contribution to international high-tech advancement now entering an era of ecological responsibility, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.

Liu Leiyun, chairman of China Rare Earth Group, said in an article published in The Journal of New Industrialization that China's national commitment to green mining has yielded revolutionary breakthroughs that fundamentally redefine rare earth production.

Recycling initiatives now account for over 10 percent of domestic rare earth supply — concrete proof of China's circular economy leadership in rare earth mining, Liu said.

The domestic industry celebrates landmark achievements including biological mining technologies and high-salt wastewater recycling systems achieving true "zero liquid discharge", Liu said.