Ranked: Top rare earth producing countries in the world, 2025
Rare earth elements (REEs) consist of 17 essential metals that are crucial for modern technology, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. This group includes the 15 lanthanides, along with scandium and yttrium. Although rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, they are less commonly found in mineable concentrations compared to most other mineral commodities.
For instance, neodymium is used in powerful magnets that can withstand extreme temperatures, while beryllium is employed in the production of lightweight materials for fighter jets. These elements serve a variety of critical technological purposes.
China Is Dominating Rare Earth Metals Production
As of 2024, China produces more than two-thirds of the total global rare earth mine production, solidifying its position as the leader in the rare earths market. China has an impressive reserve of 44 million tonnes, which is more than double that of its closest competitor, Brazil, which has 21 million tonnes. India follows with 6.9 million tonnes, Australia holds 5.7 million tonnes, and Russia rounds out the list with 3.8 million tonnes. Together, these countries play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Top rare earth producing countries in the world
Rank Country Region Sub Region Rare-Earth Reserves
1 China (PRC) Asia Eastern Asia 44 million tonnes
2 Brazil Americas South America 21 million tonnes
3 India Asia Southern Asia 6.9 million tonnes
4 Australia Pacific Oceania 5.7 million tonnes
5 Russia Europe Eastern Europe 3.8 million tonnes
6 Vietnam Asia South-eastern Asia 3.5 million tonnes
7 United States Americas Northern America 1.9 million tonnes
8 Greenland (Denmark) Americas Northern America 1.5 million tonnes
9 Tanzania Africa Eastern Africa 0.89 million tonnes
10 South Africa Africa Southern Africa 0.86 million tonnes
11 Canada Americas Northern America 0.83 million tonnes
12 Thailand Asia South-eastern Asia 0.45 million tonnes
What are rare earth elements, and why are they important?
Rare earth elements (REE) represent a remarkable group of seventeen metallic elements, including the fifteen lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium. These elements are the backbone of over 200 innovative products across a wide array of applications, particularly inspiring advancements in high-tech consumer goods like cell phones, computer hard drives, electric and hybrid vehicles, and flat-screen monitors and televisions. They are also indispensable in defense technologies, fueling electronic displays, guidance systems, lasers, and radar and sonar systems.
Although the quantity of REE used in a product may be minimal in weight, value, or volume, its significance for device functionality is profound. For example, the small yet mighty magnets made of REE are crucial for the operation of spindle motors and voice coils in desktop and laptop computers, showcasing how even the smallest elements can drive innovation and progress.
What Is the Biggest Rare Earth Element Mine in the World?
With its vast reserves of rare earth elements, China proudly houses the world’s largest mine—the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia. This remarkable site is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, leading the way as the global producer of rare earth elements.
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