Standardization News

ASTM International, in support of recent public-private dialogues (particularly those hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy) on the management of rare earth minerals, will be hosting an organizational meeting for the establishment of a new ASTM standards activity on rare earth minerals. The meeting will occur Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. eastern time; the no-fee event will be held virtually.

Previous DOE-hosted events on rare earth minerals have highlighted three primary REM-related pillars: (1) developing new substitutes (material interchangeability); (2) diversifying the supply chain; and (3) reduction, recycling, and reuse. Participants in those dialogues have expressed a need to identify standards solutions for segments of the rare earth production process and life cycle. A planning meeting held on May 16 at ASTM's Washington, D.C., office, which included stakeholders from government, academia, industry and professional societies, outlined a series of additional potential standards topics including REM characterization, efficiency of manufacture, and safety (chemical, physical, and shipping and handling).

ASTM stands ready to accommodate this new standardization initiative with its neutral forum wherein the private and public sectors have long worked to develop a consensus standards program.

To register for the meeting, click here. After being approved by the host, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the session.

ASTM Staff Contact: Pat Picariello, Phone: 610-832-9720