China Announces New Critical Minerals Export Controls

China soon will impose new export controls on a set of key critical minerals, including antimony, and technology used to process those minerals, the country’s commerce ministry said Aug. 15, according to an unofficial translation. Antimony can be used in the production of certain batteries, weapons and more. The minerals and technology “have a significant impact on national security,” China said, and exports will need a license before they can be shipped abroad. The controls take effect Sept. 15.

The announcement follows recently imposed Chinese export controls on drones and drone parts (see 2407310015) along with restrictions on other critical minerals -- gallium and germanium -- last year (see 2307050018, 2310030035 and 2408090012).