China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise, announced on Saturday that it has achieved breakthroughs in mineral exploration.

The group projects an increase of 4.96 million tonnes in rare-earth oxides output.

At a recent symposium and midterm evaluation, experts noted significant progress in the search for rare-earth minerals in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The group plans to accelerate the establishment of a new security framework for developing China's rare-earth resources and to create a strategic stronghold in this sector.

Rare earths, comprising 17 elements, are widely used in aerospace, special materials, metallurgy, energy and agriculture.

(With input from Xinhua)