Rare earth metal industry in China
Introduction
China is a world leader in the production and export of rare earth metals, commanding over 80 percent of the global production of this valuable resource. Rare earth metals are essential for the production of sophisticated electronic products such as cell phones, computers, and other high-tech equipment.
These metals are also crucial for certain military applications. As a result, their production and export have been tightly controlled by the Chinese government. This article explores the history of the rare earth metal industry in China, from its humble beginnings to its current standing as the worlds leader.
History
The history of Chinas production of rare earth metals dates back to the early 20th century. The industry began as a small group of miners searching for ores in the mountains of southern China. Their discoveries brought them wealth and power, and by 1928 the Chinese had become major producers of the metals, then known as lanthanides.
In the 1950s, China began to industrialize, and the production of rare earth metals increased significantly, with the bulk of the production concentrated in the Guangdong region. The industry was dominated by three state-owned corporations, and the Chinese government began to consolidate its control over the industry, creating a monopoly over the production and export of rare earth metals.
By the 1980s, China had become the worlds largest producer and exporter of rare earth metals, and their production increased exponentially over the next two decades. In 2010, China produced a staggering 95 percent of the worlds rare earth metals.
The industry today
Today, the rare earth metal industry in China is an important part of the Chinese economy. The industry employs over 200,000 people, and in 2013 the Chinese government announced plans to invest an additional $4 billion to expand production.
The Chinese government has also implemented strict restrictions on the export of rare earth metals in order to maintain their supply. This has resulted in a number of disputes with other countries, particularly the United States, which relies heavily on Chinese exports of rare earth metals.
In addition, the Chinese government has sought to encourage research and development into the use of rare earth metals in manufacturing. This has led to a number of innovative new products and applications, such as rare earth-enhanced magnets, optical fibers, and lasers.
Conclusion
Chinas rare earth metal industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 20th century. Today, the country is a major player in the global production and export of this valuable resource. Despite a number of disputes with other countries, China remains the worlds leader in the production and export of rare earth metals, and the Chinese government has shown a commitment to strengthening and expanding its control over the industry.
