China issues rules on rare earth production

China released on Friday interim measures for the management of its rare earth mining, smelting and separation activities. Rare earth production enterprises should establish a tracking system for the flow of rare earth products and accurately record the flow information of these products, according to the rules.

Drone fleet helping fortify grid safety

Chinese power operators are making more innovations to fortify grid safety. Staffers from State Grid Suqian in Jiangsu province have expanded its fleet of DJI drones to serve as "sky eyes" to inspect transmission lines and substations. Since establishing its Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle Operations Center last August, the utility has continuously expanded the number of drones, which can follow preplanned routes to inspect power equipment and livestream high-definition images and infrared data to enhance power safety. Able to cover a 3-kilometer radius, each drone is equipped with a millimeter-wave radar and lowlight fish-eye sensors, allowing for centimeter-level obstacle avoidance around conductors.

Xinhua - China Daily