BEIJING - China's rare earth industry established an association on Sunday with the aim of spurring healthy development in the sector.

The association, consisting of 155 members that include industry giants Aluminum Corporation of China and China Minmetals Corporation, was formed to promote sustainable and sound development in the sector, said Su Bo, vice minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Gan Yong, an academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and also president of the Chinese Society of Rare Earths, will be the president of the association.

The association said it will actively provide support and services for relevant departments and local governments, help maintain orders in the sector, facilitate exchange and cooperation between enterprises to spur innovation, and also coordinate efforts to cope with international trade frictions and disputes.