A Blog for Browsing Mining, Mineral Processing, and Metals Info

China’s caps on exports of rare earth elements break global trade rules, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled.

Rare earths are used in gadgets such as DVDs and mobile phones, and China accounts for more than 90% of their global production.

But it has put limits on their exports, which it says are aimed at reducing pollution and conserving resources.

However, the organisation said the limits helped “secure preferential use” of the elements for domestic firms.

In its ruling, the WTO said: “The overall effect of the foreign and domestic restrictions is to encourage domestic extraction and secure preferential use of those materials by Chinese manufacturers”.

Read more at: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-26743299