List of Countries with Most Rare Earth Reserves

Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements that play a critical role in today’s modern world. From smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and military equipment, these minerals are everywhere. Despite their name, rare earths are not truly "rare," but they are difficult to extract and process in large amounts.As demand for high-tech and green energy technologies grows, so does the importance of rare earth reserves. Currently, China dominates the sector, holding nearly half of the world’s reserves and controlling the majority of global refining capacity. However, several other countries also hold significant reserves that could shape the future of the supply chain.

Highlights of Global Rare Earth Reserves

Rank	Country	Reserves (Metric Tons)	Key Minerals	Major Deposit Type
1	China	44,000,000	Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Dysprosium, Yttrium	Bastnäsite & Ion-Adsorption Clays
2	Brazil	21,000,000	Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium	Ionic Clay Deposits
3	India	6,900,000	Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Samarium, Yttrium	Monazite Sands (Coastal)
4	Australia	5,700,000	Cerium, Neodymium, Lanthanum	Bastnäsite & Monazite (Hard Rock)
5	Russia	3,800,000	Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium	Loparite & Apatite Rocks
6	Vietnam	3,500,000	Neodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium	Northwest Region Deposits
7	United States	1,900,000	Neodymium, Cerium, Praseodymium	Mountain Pass Mine

1. China: The Global Leader

China is by far the largest holder of rare earth reserves, with about 44 million metric tons. This represents nearly half of global reserves. Apart from mining, China also dominates the processing and refining stages, controlling more than 90% of global capacity.The government maintains strict production quotas, giving China significant control over international prices and supply. Rare earths from China are vital for industries ranging from electronics to defence equipment worldwide.

2. Brazil: Untapped Potential

Brazil comes second with 21 million metric tons of rare earth reserves. However, its production remains very small compared to its potential. Most of Brazil’s deposits are in ionic clays, similar to those in China.If fully developed, Brazil could become a strong alternative supplier, reducing global dependence on China. Many international projects are being planned to unlock this huge potential.

3. India: Rich in Coastal Monazite Sands

India has about 6.9 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, mostly located in monazite sands along the coasts. These sands are rich in elements like cerium, neodymium, samarium, and yttrium.Despite its reserves, India currently produces less than 1% of the global output. To change this, the government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) to boost mining and processing. If successful, India could become a major global player.

4. Australia: Reliable Supplier

Australia holds 5.7 million metric tons of reserves and is already one of the largest producers outside China. The Mount Weld mine in Western Australia is one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits.Australia is actively working with allies like the United States and Japan to create a more secure and diversified rare earth supply chain. Its political stability makes it a trusted supplier.

5. Russia: Large but Restricted

Russia has around 3.8 million metric tons of reserves, mainly in loparite and apatite rocks. Its production is controlled by state-owned firms and is focused largely on domestic industries.Due to geopolitical tensions, Russia’s role in the global rare earth market remains limited. However, its reserves still make it an important player in the long run.

6. Vietnam: Rising Contributor

Vietnam holds about 3.5 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, mostly in the Northwest region. Although its numbers were revised down from earlier estimates, the country has big plans.Vietnam is actively seeking foreign investment and modern technology to expand production by 2030. If successful, it could join the group of top suppliers.

7. United States: Growing Domestic Production

The US has 1.9 million metric tons of reserves. Most of its production comes from the Mountain Pass mine in California. However, despite having resources, the US remains heavily dependent on China for refined rare earth materials.Ensuring an independent supply chain is now a national security priority for the US, especially for defence and high-tech industries.

Why Rare Earths Matter

Rare earths are used in:

• Permanent magnets (for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics)
• Lasers and fibre optics
• Rechargeable batteries
• Catalytic converters in vehicles
• Military equipment such as radars and guidance systems