In an effort to strengthen Beijing’s control over global supply chains, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced a new expansion of its export control regime for rare earth elements.

Victory Metals has received approval from the US Government’s system for award management, paving the way for the rare earths company to directly engage with US federal agencies.

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) has entered the commercial heavy rare earth market, making its first sale of heavy rare earth metals from its Korean metals plant.

It will enable the company to flexibly switch between different products depending on customer demand.

The share subscription will be conducted in two phases.

Japan produces around 1mn permanent magnet synchronous motors for vehicles each year, according to trade ministry data.

"Our plant uses a lot of water and chemicals but unlike other jurisdictions will not produce a single litre of liquid waste," SRC president Mike Crabtree said.

Supply challenges persist to meet rising rare earths demand, reports Davide Ghilotti.