China has proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the European Union, the commerce ministry said Saturday, after Beijing restricted their sale abroad.

Beijing has since April required licences to export these strategic materials from China, which accounts for more than 60 percent of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency.

The metals are used in a wide variety of products, including electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and there has been criticism from industries about the way China's licences have been issued.

"Export control on rare earths and other items is an international practice," the commerce ministry said in a statement.

"China attaches great importance to Europe's conce

See Full Page