The Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earth in Baotou, Inner Mongolia [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

The Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earth has established a new branch in Hangzhou, the capital of East China's Zhejiang province, which will serve as another innovation hub for the rare earth sector in the country, according to local media reports.

The Hangzhou branch was developed by Zhejiang University and Baogang Group.

Located in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Baogang Group has the world's largest proven reserves of rare earth resources, and has China's largest comprehensive rare earth research and development center with the widest research coverage.

Baotou has harnessed industrial development to boost its local economy. The city is now committed to transforming itself into a modern industrial base for China, and has made remarkable developments in the rare earth sector along with high-end equipment manufacturing, metallurgy and communication technologies.

With abundant rare earth resources, Baotou is fast becoming China's leading supplier, processor and R&D center for rare earth materials.

The city is making progress in the development of its rare earth industry with the Baotou Rare Earth High-Tech Industrial Development Zone serving as its base.

In recent years, rare earth scientific research institutions and enterprises based in Baotou Rare Earth High-Tech Industrial Development Zone have actively adapted to globalization, and the number of international patent applications has continued to increase.

As of November this year, companies and institutions including Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earth, Tianhe Magnets, and Xibao Bowei have applied for 68 international patents.