Who Really Profits from Myanmar’s Rare Earths?

Jul 18, 2025 | Min Zan
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Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metals that play a crucial role in modern technology. Despite their name, they are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust but are rarely found in concentrated forms. These elements include lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. REEs are essential in producing high-performance magnets, batteries, LED lights, and electronics such as smartphones and electric vehicles. They’re also used in green energy technologies like wind turbines and solar panels. Mining and refining rare earths can be challenging due to environmental concerns and geopolitical factors, making their supply chain complex. As global demand increases, sustainable methods of extraction and recycling are being explored to reduce environmental impact and secure future availability.