THE Ministry of Commerce unveiled its second rare earth export quota for 2013 yesterday.

The 15,500-ton quota includes 13,821 tons for light rare earth metals and 1,679 tons for heavy rare earth metals. The quota was based on actual rare earth exports from 2010 to 2012, according to a statement on the ministry's website. The ministry announced the first rare earth export quota of 15,501 tons on December 28.