Report on the Environmental Testing Standards System for Praseodymium-Neodymium Raw Materials
Abstract
Based on national standards, industry specifications, and international standard developments as of March 2026, this report systematically reviews the environmental testing standards related to praseodymium-neodymium raw materials. Analysis shows that China has formed a complete standards system covering product standards (GB/T 9967-2025), chemical analysis methods (XB/T 634-2025, GB/T 223.92-2023), non-rare earth impurity testing (GB/T 12690.13-2026), and environmental monitoring (“Technical Guidelines for Self-Monitoring of Pollution Sources – Rare and Rare Earth Metal Smelting”). At the international level, ISO/TC 298 is advancing the international standardization of praseodymium-neodymium metals (ISO/WD 24468) and rare earth testing methods.
I. Product Standards
1.1 Domestic Standard: GB/T 9967-2025 “Neodymium Metal”
- Date of Issue: August 1, 2025
- Date of Implementation: February 1, 2026
- Responsible Committee: National Technical Committee on Rare Earth of Standardization Administration of China
- Main Content: Specifies product classification, technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, as well as marking, packaging, transportation, and storage requirements for neodymium metal.
1.2 International Standard: ISO/WD 24468 “Praseodymium-Neodymium Metals”
- Current Stage: 20.99 (Development Stage)
- Developing Organization: ISO/TC 298 (Rare Earth Technical Committee)
II. Chemical Analysis Method Standards
| Standard No. | Standard Title | Implementation Date | Scope of Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| XB/T 634-2025 | Methods for Chemical Analysis of Praseodymium-Neodymium Metals – Determination of Carbon, Iron, Molybdenum, Aluminum, Silicon, and Praseodymium Content – Spark Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometry | 2026-03-01 | Determination of key impurities and praseodymium content in praseodymium-neodymium metals. |
| GB/T 223.92-2023 | Iron, Steel and Alloys – Determination of Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, and Samarium Contents – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry | 2024-04-01 | Determination of rare earth elements in iron, steel, and alloys. |
| GB/T 38744-2020 | Methods for Chemical Analysis of Auxiliary Agent Elements in Motor Vehicle Exhaust Purifiers – Determination of Cerium, Lanthanum, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Barium, and Zirconium Contents – Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry | Current | Determination of praseodymium and neodymium in complex matrices. |
| ISO/AWI 24880 | Rare Earth – Determination of Rare Earth Distribution in Mixed Rare Earth Metals and Their Compounds – Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry | 20.00 (Under Development) | Determination of rare earth distribution in mixed rare earth materials. |
| ISO/AWI 24890 | Rare Earth – X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry – Determination of Rare Earth Distribution in Praseodymium-Neodymium Compounds by Borate Fusion Method | 20.00 (Under Development) | Rapid analysis of rare earth distribution in praseodymium-neodymium compounds. |
III. Non-Rare Earth Impurity Testing Standards
GB/T 12690.13-2026 “Methods for Chemical Analysis of Non-Rare Earth Impurities in Rare Earth Metals and Their Oxides – Part 13: Determination of Molybdenum and Tungsten Content” was issued on February 27, 2026, and will be implemented from September 1, 2026, replacing the 2003 version of the standard.
IV. Environmental Monitoring and Emission Standards
4.1 Discharge Monitoring
“Technical Guidelines for Self-Monitoring of Pollution Sources – Rare and Rare Earth Metal Smelting” was implemented on March 14, 2026, regulating monitoring requirements for wastewater, exhaust gas, and noise from rare earth smelting enterprises.
4.2 Water Quality Testing
“Water Quality – Determination of 65 Elements – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry” (Draft for Comments) is applicable for the determination of 65 elements including neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr).
4.3 International Environmental Monitoring
- ISO 16965:2025: Environmental Solid Matrices – Determination of Elements (including Pr, Nd) by ICP-MS.
- ISO 18227:2025: Environmental Solid Matrices – Determination of Elemental Composition (including Nd) by XRF.
V. Traceability and Carbon Footprint Standards
| Standard No. | Standard Title | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 19453 | Rare Earth Supply Chain Traceability – From Mines to Separated Products | Published |
| ISO 19454 | Rare Earth Supply Chain Traceability – From Separated Products to Permanent Magnets | Published |
| ISO/WD 25191 | Rare Earth – Guidance on Data Collection and Verification for Carbon Footprint Accounting | 20.60 (Under Development) |
VI. Conclusion
In 2026, the environmental testing standards system for praseodymium-neodymium raw materials is increasingly comprehensive. Enterprises should focus on the following key points:
- Product Standards: Implement the new requirements of GB/T 9967-2025 “Neodymium Metal.”
- Testing Methods: Adopt the latest chemical analysis methods such as XB/T 634-2025.
- Environmental Compliance: Implement the requirements of the “Technical Guidelines for Self-Monitoring of Pollution Sources – Rare and Rare Earth Metal Smelting.”
- International Alignment: Track the progress of international standards such as ISO/WD 24468 and prepare for supply chain traceability.
