Mobile phone recycling could be set to gain more importance following China’s decision to raise duties on some of its export of rare earths from the beginning of next year.
Rare earths are a group of 17 minerals, many of which are valuable metals that are used in the manufacture of many technology products such as mobile phones, TVs and computers. China produces 97% of the global supply of rare earths. It is not clear yet which rare earths will be affected or how much the increased in taxes will be. The Chinese Government is currently in the process of deciding export quotas for next year. However, it has indicated that it will ensure that the basic demands for rare earths from the international community will continue to be met.
China has reduced its exploration of rare earths, cut production and exports in recognition of its need to contribute towards sustainable development and help protect the environment.
There has already been concern about reductions in the supply of rare earths from China earlier this year when Japan became embroiled in a territorial dispute with China. Concern over the alleged blocking of rare earth shipments to Japan lead to Japanese moves to become a world centre for recycling electronic products in a bid to lessen reliance on China’s rare earth supplies.