China Northern Rare Earth (Group) High-Tech Co in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region will establish a rare earth R&D center in the city of Baotou, said the group on April 2.

To match the center's funds, the group will invest 100 million yuan ($16.15 million) to its subordinated rare earth research institute. At the same time, the Inner Mongolia Department of Science and Technology and Baotou municipal government, the R&D center's other two organizers, will allocate 50 million yuan each as the center's start-up funds.

The Beijing Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has technological advantages in the field of rare earth. As one of the center's organizers, the branch will select experts and management personnel to work for the center. Moreover, its scientific and technological resources surrounding rare earth will be applied in the center's development and will promote more rare earth projects to settle in the center.

China Northern Rare Earth has the largest rare earth industry base in China. The rare earth R&D center will integrate the group's rich experiences in rare earth research, advanced technology from the Beijing Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and preferential policies and funds from the autonomous region as well as Baotou. Designed to be a high-end platform for both domestic and international markets, the center will promote rare earth development in North China.