Rare earth elements consist of a group of 17 metals that are crucial to the development of modern technology and strategic industries, including defense, aerospace, electronics and electric vehicles. China dominates the market, controlling about 40 percent of the world’s rare earth mines and nearly 70 percent of global production, especially in heavy rare earths. This dominance has allowed China to exert significant trade and diplomatic leverage, raising concerns worldwide.
To counter China’s influence, the U.S. and other major economies are now seeking to develop alternative sources and to build supply chain resilience. As nations diversify their rare earth supplies, the global landscape is set to evolve, reshaping high-tech and strategic industries.
The following graphic, using data sourced from WireScreen, presents a list of the key companies at each step of the rare earth industry — from mining and extraction to end use and recycling — with a special focus on China’s footprint.
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View in Full ScreenResearch by WireScreen. Graphic by Hiram Henriquez.
