The ban coincides with major Chinese power bank brands recalling products internationally due to a lithium battery quality issue that poses safety hazards.
Refining rare earths is an even bigger challenge, as their processing creates pollution and poses significant health risks to the public, one expert said.
In a surprise announcement that seemed to catch some Cabinet members off guard, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has frozen nearly $20 million in support.
The ban coincides with major Chinese power bank brands recalling products internationally due to a lithium battery quality issue that poses safety hazards.
Refining rare earths is an even bigger challenge, as their processing creates pollution and poses significant health risks to the public, one expert said.
In a surprise announcement that seemed to catch some Cabinet members off guard, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has frozen nearly $20 million in support.