heavy rare earths
Coverage of heavy rare earths in the Nexus archive.
- How war in Myanmar is driving a deadly rare earth mining boom
The war in Myanmar, fueled by a 2021 military coup and subsequent economic collapse, has driven young people like Min to seek dangerous jobs in rare earth mining near the Chinese border. Hazardous working conditions, including fatal landslides, and environmental degradation have emerged as critical issues in Myanmar, the world's largest supplier of heavy rare earths used in both climate technologies and advanced weapons.
- The West still doesn’t grasp the danger of China’s rare earth endgame
China has become the near-sole supplier of heavy rare earths critical for EVs, military technology, and renewable energy, and has restricted exports to Western defense companies. Beijing aims to retain the full production chain within China to maximize economic and employment benefits, while Western policymakers are urged to recognize this long-term strategic move. Price disparities for rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium highlight China's control and resource hoarding.