China wants to be able to produce its own high-grade titanium – primarily used in the defense and aerospace industries – within three years, the Financial Times reported. Dong Wenxue, vice chairman of China Mining Resources Group, said it would take three years to develop the required technology. The company is set to purchase a rutile mine (rutile is a titanium-bearing ore) and plans to invest a further US$102 million in titanium-producing refineries. It hopes to rely on foreign expertise for help with the technology. China's titanium production has so far been limited to the low-grade variety used in bicycle frames, golf clubs and anti-corrosive pipes. It currently has to import high-grade titanium, known for its strength, lightness and resistance to corrosion.