Stricter regulations could drive up rare-earths prices

China will implement stricter environmental regulations on August 1 that are likely to push up the price of rare earths, the collective name for 17 elements used in high-tech devices ranging from wind turbines to missile guidance systems, state media reported. Miners and processing companies that do not pass the review can be denied approval for new projects, expansion and IPOs, China’s environmental ministry said. An executive from Ganzhou Rare Earth Mineral Industry who requested anonymity said at least 60% of China’s producers could not currently meet the standards and would have to spend more on environmental protection to pass the review. The prices of rare earths have risen steadily as China cuts back on illegal mining, with domestic prices for cesium, lanthanum and neodymium increasing 49%, 75% and 23% respectively since March 28, according to JPMorgan (JPM.NYSE). China’s environmental ministry issued the new standards in March to reduce pollution and better regulate the industry. China possesses one-third of global rare-earth reserves and currently provides more than 90% of the world’s supplies.