China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) opened on Wednesday a public consultation on proposed rare earth management regulations, Kallanish reports.

Beijing is seeking feedback on draft regulations that cover quotas for mining, smelting and separation of rare earths, as well as monitoring and control enforcement.

MIIT’s raw materials department says the proposed measures will “protect and rationally develop and utilise rare earth resources.” While promoting the economic development of the industry, they will also deliver supply security, it notes.

The draft regulations are known as “Administrative Measures for the Total Control of Rare Earth Mining and Smelting and Separation” and “Administrative Measures for the Information Traceability of Rare Earth Products.” Comments may be posted or email to the department until 21 March.

Last year, the government banned the export of technology to produce rare earth magnets, which are used in motors in electric vehicles and wind turbines, among other applications including military.

China dominates the global rare earth processing capacity and holds a significant share of the world’s rare earth deposits. The proposed new restrictions are expected to enhance the state’s control over these critical minerals, strengthening its near monopoly in the market.

As trade tensions between Washington and Beijing intensify, the US’ rare earth supply chain is even more vulnerable. Gracelin Baskaran, research director at the Critical Minerals Security Program of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, warned last year that the US’ delay in developing rare earth processing capacity “will hinder its ability to build both national, energy and economic security.”