China is sending scientists to Iran for rare earth ‘exploration and processing’

China has initiated a new scientific collaboration with Iran, focusing on rare earth exploration and processing technologies. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the joint workshop program on Monday, selecting rare earth exploration and processing as one of five areas for cooperation. China will provide 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) per workshop, covering expenses such as meetings, accommodation, and domestic travel for Chinese researchers.

Iran will contribute to international travel expenses for Iranian participants and accommodation for Chinese researchers visiting Iran. This cooperation is particularly sensitive due to the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Rare earths, a group of 17 metals with unique magnetic and electronic properties, are crucial for modern weapons, including missiles, fighter jets, radar, and electronic systems.

The United States has reportedly used "virtually all" of its long-range precision missiles during the conflict, prompting the Trump administration to announce a $3 billion investment in critical mineral and battery projects. China possesses the world's largest rare earth reserves and dominates global production and processing, while also imposing export controls to restrict technology transfers.

Iran's rare earth potential is considered significant, with geology favorable for deposits in areas such as iron ore and phosphate formations. Exploration has identified rare earth anomalies across 7,000 sq km (4,000 square miles) of central Iran, though extraction and processing capabilities are still at an early stage. The NSFC and Iran's National Science Foundation have been collaborating since 2017, with a memorandum of understanding signed in Beijing.

The NSFC highlights Iran's importance in the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to promote scientific and technological cooperation and benefit the people of both nations. Since then, the two agencies have funded joint research projects in various fields, including mathematics, biology, medicine, renewable energy, materials science, climate change, and artificial intelligence.

This year's joint workshop program, launched in 2024, also covers nano materials for disease detection, pollution monitoring, earthquake-resistant construction, and greener manufacturing.