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

China is expanding its scientific collaboration with Iran into the strategically sensitive field of rare earths, including processing technologies that Beijing has increasingly sought to protect from overseas transfer. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) unveiled the latest joint workshop programme with its Iranian counterpart on Monday, listing the “exploration and processing of rare earth elements” among five areas selected for cooperation. The Chinese side will provide 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) for each workshop, covering expenses including meetings, accommodation and domestic travel, while the Iran National Science Foundation will help with international travel for Iranian participants and accommodation for…