The Baotou Rare Earth R&D Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences – located in Baotou city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – is understood to have recently obtained three key patents that were granted by the United States and the European Union.

The patents were for the "preparation method of NdFeB permanent magnet material". This is expected to improve product technology in high-speed rail, new energy vehicles and electric vehicles. They were also for the "processing method for fluorine-containing rare earths mineral particles," which are for controlling sulfur content in exhaust gas.

An important component of scientific research, patented technology is said to directly reflect the capabilities of a city's R&D and innovation.

In recent years, Baotou is understood to have made comprehensive use of national platforms – such as the State key laboratories – to focus on solving technical difficulties that impede the development of industry.

The city has formed a multi-category, multi-level and high-value patent layout in various fields – including rare earths hydrometallurgy, rare earths diesel vehicle exhaust catalysts, rare earths additives and rare earths hydrogen storage materials.  

The institute has obtained 332 patents of various types – made up of 10 international patents, 192 invention patents, 127 utility model patents and three appearance patents.