Rare earths have become central to the trade war between the United States and China. But which countries have the largest reserves?
Which are the countries with the largest reserves of rare earths? This is one of the most important questions for investors and analysts in 2025. In recent years, rare earths have gained great importance due to their crucial role in the trade war between the United States and China.
These chemical elements are essential for the production of advanced technologies, from batteries for electric vehicles to semiconductors, from magnets for wind turbines to military defense systems.
The United States, aware of its dependence on Chinese imports, is seeking to diversify its sources of supply, incentivizing domestic extraction and forging alliances with other countries rich in these resources.
Meanwhile, China maintains a dominant position in both production and reserves, making the issue of rare earths a strategic issue of primary importance. Let’s find out which countries have the largest reserves.
What are rare earth elements?
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemical elements, including scandium, yttrium, and the lanthanides neodymium, dysprosium, and holmium. They are not found in nature in their pure state, but mixed with other minerals, making their extraction and separation complex. Their processing is expensive and requires advanced techniques such as organic solvent extraction, magnetic separation, and high-temperature processes.
These elements are essential for the production of electronic devices, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military defense equipment, playing a key role in the global energy transition.
Here are the 8 countries with the largest rare earth reserves
Rare earth elements are distributed across different parts of the world, but some countries possess more significant deposits. According to the latest report from the United States Geological Survey, here is the ranking of the top eight countries with the largest reserves:
1. China
With 44 million tons, China is the world leader in both rare earth production and reserves. It has invested heavily in the extraction and processing of these elements since the 1970s, consolidating its dominance in refining, a key process for their industrial application.
2. Vietnam
Located strategically close to China, Vietnam has recently attracted attention for its mining potential with 22 million tons of rare earths. Although its reserves have long remained untapped, the country is seeking to position itself as an alternative to China’s monopoly, attracting foreign investment in the sector.
3. Brazil
Brazil has one of the largest rare earth reserves (21 million tons), but its production remains limited. The government is evaluating new strategies to better exploit these resources and become more competitive in the global market.
4. Russia
Russia is seeking to increase its production of rare earths (currently estimated at 10 million tons) to reduce dependence on imports. In 2023, it produced 2,600 tons, surpassing Brazil and Vietnam, and is investing in new mining infrastructure.
5. India
India has significant reserves, amounting to 6.9 million tons, but production is limited by stringent environmental regulations. However, the government is developing policies to incentivize the extraction and processing of these minerals, aiming to become a key player in the sector.
6. Australia
Australia is one of the world’s leading producers of rare earths, with production expected to reach 18,000 tons in 2023 and a reserve of 5.7 million tons. With new mining projects underway, the country aims to strengthen its position as an alternative supplier to China.
7. United States
Although US reserves are limited compared to other countries, with only 1.8 million tons, the US is the second largest producer globally, with 43,000 tons expected in 2023. The Mountain Pass mine in California is the country’s main source of rare earths, and the government is working to reduce its dependence on imports.
8. Greenland
Although its reserves are still untapped, Greenland has great potential (with 1.5 million tons), thanks to projects such as Tanbreez Mining and Kvanefjeld. If developed, they could significantly alter the balance of the global rare earth market.
Recently, the Dominican Republic has also attracted attention for its potential in the rare earth sector. During a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Luis Abinader stated that initial investigations suggest the presence of 100 million tons of rare earths in the country. If confirmed, this finding could transform the Dominican Republic into a key player in the global market, attracting investment and redefining international sourcing strategies. But it is still too early to talk about the country with the most rare earths in the world.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: I Paesi con le maggiori riserve di terre rare al mondo
