The importance of recycling materials for securing raw material supply is growing, as demonstrated this week by a new initiative launched by China. In Germany, there were also new developments regarding the possible extraction of rare earths, although additional exploration work will first be required.
USA: Export Restrictions on Black Mass and Tungsten Scrap
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the Department of Commerce to develop export restrictions on waste streams containing critical raw materials in order to strengthen supplies for the defense industry. The Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security has now issued the first concrete measures. They cover black mass from shredded lithium-ion batteries as well as tungsten waste and scrap. Starting on August 27, U.S. sellers must reserve their entire monthly sales volumes of these materials for domestic buyers.
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A New Push for Rare Earth Mining in Germany
China’s dominance in rare earth production is well known. However, deposits of these critical raw materials also exist in Germany, including at Storkwitz in Saxony. The deposit has been known since the GDR era, and new exploratory drilling was carried out there in the 2010s. At the time, low ore grades, complex geological conditions and the prevailing price environment made commercial extraction uneconomic. Munich-based company Hades is now making a renewed attempt. According to the start-up, it has obtained exclusive rights from the Saxon Mining Authority to continue exploring the deposit.
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China Plans Major Expansion of Raw Materials Recycling
China plans to significantly expand the recycling of end-of-life batteries, metal scrap, and components from solar and wind power installations by 2030. This is outlined in a new five-year plan for green and low-carbon industrial development. One of the key targets is to increase the circular use of important secondary raw materials from 380 million tons to 510 million tons.
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MP Materials: Revenue Jumps in the Second Quarter
U.S.-based rare earth producer MP Materials reported a sharp increase in revenue for the second quarter of 2026, with sales rising 89 percent to $108.5 million. The growth was driven by higher sales volumes of neodymium-praseodymium oxides and metals as well as stronger market prices. Offsetting factors included the suspension of rare earth concentrate sales since July 2025 and slightly lower revenue from magnetic precursor products. Overall, MP Materials remained in the red, although its net loss narrowed from $30.9 million in the same quarter last year to $20.3 million.
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China’s Rare Earth Exports in July Well Below Prior-Year Level
China exported around 4,223 tons of rare earths in July, according to the latest customs data. As the world’s largest producer of rare earths, the country recorded a significant decline compared with the same month last year, as well as with the previous month of June. A detailed breakdown by individual rare earth elements and destination countries will be published by the Chinese customs authority in the second half of the month.
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