China rare earth catalyst project: Runhe targets 100,000 t/yr plant in Sichuan

Runhe

China rare earth catalyst project momentum is rising as Runhe plans a major build in Leshan, Sichuan. China rare earth catalyst project capacity will reach 100,000 t/yr of rare earth catalytic materials at the new site. As a result, China rare earth catalyst project spending could reshape regional catalyst supply for industrial users.

What Runhe’s Leshan build signals for rare earth catalysts

Runhe will invest 1.5bn yuan to build the plant in Leshan’s Wutongqiao district. The company plans to start site construction in June 2026. However, Runhe has not disclosed a commissioning date.

The project targets an annual production value of about 3bn yuan at full operation. Rare earth catalysts support emissions control and high-value chemical conversions. Therefore, buyers track new capacity for both availability and qualification timelines.

Shenghe backing adds momentum to the Sichuan expansion

Shenghe is Runhe’s major shareholder and it recently reported sharp profit growth. Strong cash generation can support capex discipline and downstream scale-up. Meanwhile, Sichuan offers established rare earth and chemical supply-chain infrastructure for faster ramp-up.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This investment looks like a bid to lock in domestic catalyst security amid tighter global materials flows. However, qualification speed will matter more than nameplate capacity. Operators who prove stable performance will win the next contracts.