'World's Second Largest' Jackpot Again... 9.66 Million Tons of Massive Rare Earth Deposit Confirmed in China

Discovery of a 9.66 Million Ton Light Rare Earth Deposit

The world's second-largest light rare earth deposit has been discovered in China.

According to China’s state-run Global Times on the 24th (local time), the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources recently confirmed a substantial amount of rare earth reserves in the Maoniuping area of Mianning County, Sichuan Province, following a mining exploration survey.

The mineral exploration results announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources revealed that the Maoniuping mining site contains 9,665,600 tons of rare earth oxide (REO), as well as 27,135,400 tons of fluorite—a halide mineral—and 37,227,700 tons of barite, a sulfate mineral.

China has identified the world's second-largest light rare earth mining site. Photo by China Central Television (CCTV)

With this discovery, the rare earth oxide reserves in the region have increased by more than 300% compared to previous estimates. The media outlet reported that the mine is now considered the second largest in the world, after the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia, China.

Chinese industry experts have assessed that the discovery of the Maoniuping mine will enhance the security of light rare earth resources and provide resource-based stability for the development of strategic emerging industries.

The media outlet pointed out, "This achievement will strengthen China’s strategic rare earth resource base and contribute to securing the resources needed across advanced technology products, clean energy systems, and emerging industries."

Rare earth elements are critical minerals used in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, energy, and defense. China is estimated to account for about 70% of global rare earth production and over 80% of refining and processing capacity. Rare earths are categorized as heavy or light based on atomic mass. Last year, during a trade war, China weaponized rare earths by tightening export controls.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.