Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for promoting clean energy technologies and making high-performance materials because of their unique physical and chemical properties. In order to respond to climate change, the Chinese government has promised to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Under such a circumstance, the demand for REEs will increase significantly. However, several challenges exist in current REEs supply chain management in China. This policy brief discusses these challenges from a life cycle perspective, covering REEs mining, smelting, manufacturing, waste management, and recycling. Policy recommendations on future REEs supply chain management are then proposed, including adequate mining quota, a strategic REEs list, innovative high-tech applications, and circular economy.
In order to achieve China’s ambitious carbon neutrality target, coal industry should play a key role in mitigating its carbon emission and ensuring energy supply. Therefore, it is urgent for this coal industry to realize its transition toward low carbon development. This study investigates the status and policy options of China’s coal industry by considering the entire coal industrial chain, covering coal production, delivery, and consumption so that key challenges involving clean and efficient utilization and stable coal supply can be identified. Further, policy recommendations for the transition of this coal industrial chain toward low carbon development are proposed, including the implementation of appropriate national policies, research and development (R&D) efforts, the application of economic instruments and capacity building activities.
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