Current status of rare earth resources in China and strategies for its sustainable development

In the 21st century, rare earth, as a kind of strategic mineral resources, has become indispensable in the economy, industry of national defense, as well as high technology.China is rich in rare earth resources, with a complete range of types, which are widely dispersed in relatively concentrated areas.China ranks the first in the world for a long time in its reserves, annual outputs, export volumes and consumptions of rare earth resources.However, such problems still exist as the slow growth of recoverable reserves, excessive consumption, high dependence on exports, environmental damage, low comprehensive utilization of rare earth resources, as well as inadequate scientific and technological innovation and low prices.In this paper, the authors proposed some strategies to promote a healthy and sustainable development and utilization of rare earth resources through optimizing the industrial structure, increasing investment in scientific research, strengthening export management, building a strategic reserve, promoting overseas exploration and preserving the cores and samples.