Diamond mining is the largest taxpayer in Namibia and generates 20% of the country's export earnings.

The first rare earth mining output quota for 2020 was set at 66,000 tonnes, equal to 50% of last year's total allocation.

Chinese smelters, facing high inventories of sulphuric acid and logistical problems with the coronavirus outbreak, have been forced to cut production.

Companies have informed Chinese suppliers they are not accepting deliveries.

The virus outbreak is preventing face-to-face meetings with potential Chinese buyers.

The surprise addition to the product portfolio of GEM, which has a factory in Jingmen in central Hubei, comes amid tight disinfectant supply.