According to a report from Central News Agency, citing Chinese media outlet Calian Press, the management of China Rare Earth Holdings—a listed subsidiary under China Rare Earth Group—has reportedly seen a wave of departures this year. Rumors suggest many executives have been poached by overseas rare earth laboratories. However, China Rare Earth Group stated the personnel changes are part of normal staffing adjustments.

The report notes that China Rare Earth has seen significant turnover in 2025. This month alone, the general manager, a deputy general manager, and three board members resigned, all citing “work-related reasons.”

Among them, former deputy general manager Chunsheng Liao drew particular attention. A leading expert in rare earth separation technology, Liao was a student of  Guangxian Xu, who was known as the Father of Chinese Rare Earths Chemistry. According to the report, China Rare Earth Group states that Liao now serves as a Scientific and Technical Expert at its Shenzhen Research Institute. However, earlier rumors, as noted by TechNews, claimed that Liao and other former executives had taken rare earth technologies to a laboratory in Canada.

China Reportedly Tightens Controls on Rare Earth Talent to Curb Tech Leaks

Meanwhile, according to Wall Street Journal, Chinese authorities have reportedly instructed rare-earth companies to submit lists of employees with technical expertise, aiming to prevent trade secrets from leaking to foreign entities. Sources also mention that companies have been told to collect employees’ passports or submit them to local authorities to prevent unauthorized overseas travel, as noted by Wall Street Journal.

Rare Earth Supply Update: Limited Progress Amid Ongoing Supply Concerns

As Reuters indicates, Chinese rare earth magnets have begun to flow, but automakers and suppliers say production remains uncertain, with persistent risks of shortages. European suppliers have received enough licenses to avoid the widespread disruptions initially feared. However, Reuters reports that hundreds of permits are still pending, and applications involving U.S.-based end users or shipments routed through countries like India are facing delays or lower priority.

The White House said it had reached a deal with China to speed up rare earth approvals. Beijing confirmed the agreement and stated that export licenses would continue to be processed under existing laws. However, neither side disclosed any changes to the current licensing system, according to Reuters.

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(Photo credit: Grinm Advanced Materials)