Vietnam Bans Raw Rare Earth Exports to Boost Supply Chain Goals

Vietnam’s parliament moved to ban exports of raw rare earth materials as part of an overhaul of the geology and minerals law, which sets out a legal framework for an industry that has struggled to capitalize on the nation’s significant deposits.

The government will “strictly” control the exploration, exploitation and processing of rare earths and prohibit exports of raw rare earth minerals, according to the new law, which takes effect in January. Only companies with government approval will be permitted to exploit, process and use rare earths.