Tech innovation transforming China's rare earth industry

Neodymium magnet is known as a "magnet metal" that underpins energy-efficient motors, wind turbine generators and servo motors, experts said.

Liu Mei said these projects collectively utilize over 700 energy-saving permanent magnet motors, fully aligning with requirements for energy conservation and carbon reduction.

"They demonstrate how Northern Rare Earth vigorously implements its green development strategy, and achieves green, low-carbon operations throughout the entire production chain," she added.

Northern Rare Earth's environmental leadership extends beyond production. The company has established the industry's first carbon accounting platform, published comprehensive green and low-carbon management guidelines, and pioneered an environmental product declaration platform enabling green global trade.

"Our solar plants and intelligent energy management systems have reduced energy consumption per unit by 7.82 percent year-on-year — a quantifiable contribution to China's dual-carbon goals," said Zheng Jian, regional technical supervisor at the production technology department of Northern Rare Earth.

Zheng said the company has also pioneered industrial wastewater "zero discharge" through revolutionary treatment systems including evaporation crystallization and magnesium bicarbonate conversion, enabling full resource recovery. Air purification innovation achieves ultra-low emissions of sulfur and fluorine through multi-stage gas treatment with resource reclamation.