China remains the undisputed leader in global rare earth reserves, holding an estimated 44 million metric tons of rare earth oxide (REO) equivalent.
According to data from the US Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries, the figure represents 51.8% of the world’s total identified rare earth reserves, which are estimated at more than 85 million metric tons REO equivalent.
China‘s dominance extends beyond the size of its reserves.
The country also accounts for nearly 70% of global rare earth oxide production, cementing its position as the cornerstone of the world’s rare earth supply chain.
Brazil ranks a distant second with 21 million metric tons of reserves, equivalent to 24.7% of the global total.
Together, China and Brazil hold more than three-quarters of the world’s known rare earth reserves.
Australia sits in third place with 6.3 million metric tons, representing 7.4% of global reserves. Russia and Vietnam round out the top five with 3.8 million metric tons and 3.5 million metric tons, respectively.
The United States holds 1.9 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, while Greenland hosts 1.5 million metric tons.
Tanzania, South Africa, Canada, and Malaysia each possess less than 1 million metric tons but remain important contributors to the broader global resource base.
Strategic resources gain importance
Rare earth elements have become increasingly important to modern economies due to their use in high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy systems, defence applications, and electric vehicles.
The group of 17 metals is essential for permanent magnets used in wind turbines, electric motors, consumer electronics, and advanced military technologies.
As countries seek to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on a single source, governments and mining companies have accelerated efforts to develop new projects and processing capabilities outside China.
Australia has emerged as one of the leading jurisdictions in this push, supported by substantial reserves, established mining expertise, and growing downstream processing ambitions.
Write to Bruno Venditti at Mining.com.au
Images: Mining.com.au
