The move underscores the dilemma facing President Xi Jinping as he seeks to counter US efforts to prevent China from accessing the chips needed to dominate technology.
The United States relies heavily on critical minerals sourced overseas, but rising global mineral demand and escalating US-China competition require increased supply chain resiliency.
New report says lithium, nickel sulphate and rare earth prices are set to recover sharply but graphite, magnesium and titanium markets are in for more pain.