According to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on December 20, in order to further strengthen the regulation of the rare-earth industry and establish a standardized and orderly market environment, the Raw Materials Industry Division (Rare-Earth Office) of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a meeting of liaison officers from the inter-ministerial coordination mechanism for rare metals on December 19, 2017, with a particular focus on studying and advancing measures and recommendations for strengthening industry order.

　　The meeting reported on the progress made so far this year in rectifying irregularities, the investigation and punishment of enterprises found to be in violation of laws and regulations, the operational status of the industry, and the legislative developments related to rare metals. It also analyzed the prominent issues and typical cases identified during earlier stages of work and discussed the draft plan for the upcoming conference on rectifying order in the rare-earth industry.

　　The participating departments stated that they will further leverage their collective strengths to jointly promote the rectification of industry order, study and address the prominent issues identified, intensify joint punitive measures, accelerate the promulgation of the “Regulations on the Administration of Rare Metals,” maintain a high-pressure stance against illegal and non-compliant activities involving rare earths, and ensure that the rectification efforts yield tangible results.