Overview

• An interim regulation jointly issued by MIIT, NDRC and MNR takes immediate effect for rare‑earth mining, smelting and separation.
• The quota system now covers minerals brought into China for refining, not just domestic output, including inputs such as monazite concentrates.
• Enterprises must keep end‑to‑end records and upload the prior month’s product‑flow data to a government platform by the 10th of each month.
• Authorities will set annual control targets for mining and smelting based on economic goals, resource reserves, industry development, ecological protection and market demand.
• MIIT and MNR will designate qualified firms and bar others from mining or smelting, with anti‑smuggling enforcement ongoing as officials say lawful civilian export applications continue, while observers warn of tighter global supply.