US Edition
China-Backed Militia Secures Control of New Rare Earth Mines in Myanmar: Reuters
- A Chinese-backed militia secured control of new rare earth mines in Shan state, Myanmar, with facilities active by February 2025.
- This development follows fighting that disrupted northern Kachin mines, pushing Chinese operators to seek alternative sources in the more stable Wa areas.
- Satellite imagery shows expanding mining sites with leaching pools used to extract terbium and dysprosium, critical rare earth elements reportedly controlled under UWSA protection.
- The price of terbium oxide surged by over 27% in the last six months amid Beijing's tightened export restrictions and ongoing global demand for critical minerals.
- Beijing's control of Myanmar's rare earths via UWSA-backed mines strengthens its strategic leverage in the trade war with Washington and impacts global supply chains.
23 Articles
23 Articles
While the eyes of the world are focused on negotiations between China and the United States, ethnic militias supported by Beijing in Myanmar control new deposits of unregulated rare earths. Beijing's priority is clear: securing control of strategic resources, including through increasing interventionism that feeds Burmese civil war and causes serious environmental damage.
China-backed militia controls rare earth mines in Myanmar
A Chinese-backed militia is protecting new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar , according to four people familiar with the matter, as Beijing moves to secure control of the minerals it is wielding as a bargaining chip in its trade war with Washington.
Colorado Springs Gazette
Exclusive-China-backed militia secures control of new rare earth mines in Myanmar
By Naw Betty Han, Shoon Naing, Devjyot Ghoshal, Eleanor Whalley and Napat Wesshasartar
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
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