Why China’s ultimatum to Myanmar rebels threatens global supply of heavy rare earths

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) members near Laiza, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) headquarters located in Kachin State near the Myanmar-China border, in January 2013. (Credit: Reuters)

The global supply of heavy rare earths hinges in part on the outcome of a months-long battle between a resistance army and the Chinese-backed military regime in the hills of northern Myanmar.

The Kachin Independence Army since December has been battling the regime over the town of Bhamo, less than 62 miles (100 km) from the Myanmar-China border, as part of the conflict that erupted after the 2021 military coup.

Nearly half the world’s supply of heavy rare earths is extracted from mines in Kachin State, including those north of Bhamo, a strategically-vital garrison town. They are then shipped to China for processing into magnets that power electronic vehicles and wind turbines.