China is to regulate its rare earth industry with new environmental rules

A regulation on pollutants of rare earth industry is under examination now and may take effect this year, the Shanghai-based Dongfang Daily reported, citing a former industry official.

The new regulation might double the cost on environment protection for rare earth manufacturer in China, the newspaper cited Wang Guozhen, a former vice director of China Nonferrous Engineering and Research Institute, as saying.

New plants will have to work according to the regulation. The existing facilities can spend a year or two before adjusting to the new standards, Wang was quoted as saying.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection passed the regluation on December 31st 2010, according to the ministry’s website.

Source:
1. Dongfang Daily http://www.dfdaily.com/html/113/2011/1/6/555449.shtml
2. Ministry of Environmental Protection: http://www.zhb.gov.cn/zhxx/hjyw/201012/t20101231_199336.htm