The Rare Earth Management Regulations were announced and Li Qiang signed the State Council Order
Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council order to promulgate the "Regulations on Rare Earth Management", which will come into effect on October 1, 2024. The "Regulations" have a total of 32 articles, mainly stipulating the following contents.
First, clarify the working principles. It stipulates that rare earth management work should implement the lines, principles, policies, decisions and arrangements of the Party and the State, adhere to the equal emphasis on protecting resources and developing and utilizing them, and follow the principles of overall planning, ensuring safety, scientific and technological innovation, and green development.
Second, we will strengthen the protection of rare earth resources. It is clear that rare earth resources belong to the state, and no organization or individual may occupy or destroy rare earth resources. The state implements protective mining of rare earth resources.
Third, improve the rare earth management system. The responsibilities of the relevant departments of the State Council such as Industry and Information Technology and Natural Resources in rare earth management are stipulated, and it is made clear that local people's governments at or above the county level are responsible for rare earth management in their respective regions.
Fourth, promote high-quality development of the rare earth industry. It is clear that the state will implement a unified plan for the development of the rare earth industry, encourage and support the research and development and application of new technologies, new processes, new products, new materials and new equipment in the rare earth industry. It is stipulated that rare earth production enterprises should abide by the laws and regulations on mineral resources, energy conservation and environmental protection, clean production, safe production and fire protection, and ensure the realization of green development and safe production.
Fifth, improve the supervision system of the entire rare earth industry chain. Regulations will be implemented to control the total amount of rare earth mining and rare earth smelting and separation, and optimize dynamic management. Further standardize the comprehensive utilization of rare earths, establish a product traceability system, and strictly manage circulation.
Sixth, it clarifies the supervision and management measures and legal responsibilities. It stipulates that the competent departments of industry and information technology and other relevant departments shall supervise and inspect the mining, smelting and separation, metal smelting, comprehensive utilization, product circulation, import and export of rare earths in accordance with the division of responsibilities, and deal with illegal acts in a timely manner in accordance with the law. It stipulates corresponding legal responsibilities for illegal activities such as rare earth mining, smelting and separation.
