China Discovers Large Deposits of Previously Unknown Rare Earth Metal

SadaNews - A team of Chinese geologists has revealed the existence of large deposits of a previously unknown rare earth metal in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, marking a new advancement in science.

 

Essential for Manufacturing Electric Vehicle Engines

Researchers from China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and the Geological Survey Institute in Inner Mongolia confirmed that these reserves were found in the central part of the main ore body at the "Bayan Obo" mine, which is the largest rare earth minerals mine in the world.

The research team leader, Zhao Lai Xi, explained that this discovery reflects the complex geochemistry of the deposits and the diversity of their resources, according to the official Chinese news agency, "Xinhua".

It was also mentioned that the rare earth metal has been officially named "Huanghuitei-(Nd)" by the International Mineralogical Association, indicating it as a new carbonate mineral dominated by neodymium, known as the "magnet metal".

Moreover, it is essential in the manufacturing of electric vehicle engines, such as those used in Tesla, and offshore wind turbines.

Serious Threat

It is noteworthy that this discovery comes at a time when China's Ministry of State Security announced on Friday that foreign intelligence agencies attempted to steal rare metals, and pledged to take stringent measures against infiltration and espionage activities targeting the vital minerals sector.

The ministry stated in a post on its WeChat account that foreign intelligence agencies and their agents collaborated with "lawbreakers from within" to steal materials related to rare metals from China, posing a serious threat to Chinese national security, without naming any specific country.