Reuters: China Builds Rare Earth Talent Cultivation System in Universities

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 1st. Rare earths have become a bargaining chip for China in its international relations, and Western countries are striving to find a solution. Reuters reported today that China has been continuously cultivating rare earth professionals for decades, establishing over 40 specialized laboratories for cutting-edge research. At least 11 universities across the country recruit over 500 students annually to pursue degrees related to rare earths. These systems have formed China's control over global rare earth refining. Reuters' investigative report points out that hundreds of young Chinese people travel to schools like the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, to learn rare earth technology. Upon graduation, they enter state-owned rare earth refineries located a few kilometers away from Baotou. These refineries extract key minerals into magnets that power aircraft engines, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. If they wish to continue their studies, these undergraduates can choose to pursue further education at the nearby Baotou Rare Earth Research Institute, located about 150 kilometers from the world's largest rare earth mine. Reuters conducted the first investigation into the scale of China's rare earth research and education system, using data from research papers, curricula, and interviews with 11 Western mining executives who worked in China. The results show that the close link between China's academia and industry helps Chinese companies produce rare earths quickly and at low cost. Constantine Karayannopoulos, former CEO of Canadian rare earth firm Neo Performance Materials, said he could hire directly from universities in China and they would be ready to work, whereas in other countries, he often needs to train new hires for three years. While U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western leaders have pledged billions of dollars to break China's monopoly, China's decades-long talent reserve remains a significant advantage. The U.S. has begun investing in mining education, but the establishment of specialized departments remains a challenge.