BEIJING -- The Ministry of Commerce announced its second rare earth export quota for 2013 on Monday.

The 15,500-ton quota includes 13,821 tons for light rare earth metals and 1,679 tons for heavy rare earth metals.

The quota was mapped out based on actual rare earth exports from 2010 to 2012, according to a statement on the ministry's website.

The ministry announced the first rare earth export quota on Dec 28 last year, totaling 15,501 tons.