China Sends Scientists to Iran for Rare-Earth “Exploration and Processing”

China is expanding scientific collaboration with Iran by sending researchers under a new workshop programme focused on rare-earth “exploration and processing.” The National Natural Science Foundation of China says the latest joint initiative adds rare-earth work alongside other topics such as materials, pollution monitoring and earthquake-resistant construction. The programme covers workshop funding and logistics, with Iran supporting travel and accommodations for participating Chinese researchers. Rare earths are crucial for magnets and advanced technologies, and both sides’ move takes place amid intense US-China critical-minerals competition.