A rare earth mine estimated to be the second largest in the world has been newly confirmed in China. The deposit, more than three times larger than previous estimates, is emerging as a factor that could further strengthen Beijing's dominance over global supply chains.
◇ World's Second-Largest Rare Earth Deposit Found — "Reserves Up 300%"
China's Ministry of Natural Resources announced it has confirmed a massive rare earth deposit at the Maoniuping mining district in Mianning County, Sichuan Province, according to Global Times and Xinhua, reported Thursday.
The total rare earth oxide (REO) confirmed through the latest exploration reached 9.665 million tons. That is more than double the previous estimate of approximately 3.16 million tons, representing an increase of over 300% in proven reserves.
The finding places the Maoniuping mining district as the world's second-largest light rare earth deposit, behind only the Bayan Obo mine in Baotou, Inner Mongolia.
In addition to rare earths, the exploration confirmed 27.135 million tons of fluorite, a halogen mineral, and 37.227 million tons of barite. Fluorite is a key raw material for industrial fluorine and plays an important role in the semiconductor and chemical industries.
The exploration was conducted through precision drilling by multiple research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development. Chinese media described the discovery as "a strategic achievement that strengthens resource reserves and enhances industrial supply chain stability."
China has also accelerated resource acquisition in recent years, successively discovering major deposits of lithium, gold, and oil and gas fields in addition to rare earths.
◇ Rare Earth 'Weaponization' Becomes Reality — China's Overwhelming Influence Set to Grow
Rare earths are critical minerals used across advanced industries including electric vehicles, semiconductors, defense, and renewable energy, earning them the moniker "the oil of the 21st century." Their production also causes environmental pollution, involves high production costs, and requires long-accumulated expertise.
Refining and processing capabilities matter more than raw reserves for rare earths, and China has established a de facto monopoly in this area.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China's rare earth reserves stand at approximately 44 million tons, accounting for 48% of the global total, but its share of refined production exceeds 90%. Brazil ranks second with reserves of 21 million tons.
China controls approximately 70% of the world's rare earth supply and holds an 80% to 90% share in processing and refining, commanding a central position in the global supply chain.
Leveraging this influence, China has used rare earth export controls as a card during the U.S.-China trade conflict. Analysts say Beijing has turned "resource weaponization" into reality by adjusting rare earth supply in response to U.S. semiconductor sanctions.
Regarding the Maoniuping discovery, Chinese industry experts said it "will strengthen light rare earth resource security and provide a stable resource foundation for the development of strategic emerging industries."
