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China’s Rare Earth Industry and End-Use: Supply Security and Innovation

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The Political Economy of Rare Earth Elements

Part of the book series: International Political Economy Series ((IPES))

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the supply security of the rare earth industry and end-use applications in China. The rare earth supply chain includes the mining and refining of rare earths — the rare earth upstream sector; the consumption of rare earths for semi-finished applications such as magnets and phosphors — the rare earth downstream sector; and the end-users such as hard drives and wind turbines. China is in the unique position to produce nearly 90 percent of global rare earth supply. It is the major supplier for all countries.

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© 2015 Jost Wübbeke

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Wübbeke, J. (2015). China’s Rare Earth Industry and End-Use: Supply Security and Innovation. In: Kiggins, R.D. (eds) The Political Economy of Rare Earth Elements. International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137364241_2

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