China finds major rare earth deposits

March 23, 2026

China has announced the discovery of major new reserves of critical minerals, strengthening its position as a global leader in resources essential for advanced technology, renewable energy, and defense industries.

At the Maoniuping mining site in Mianning County, located in Sichuan Province, recent geological surveys revealed approximately 9.7 million tonnes of rare earth oxides, bringing the mine’s total confirmed reserves to 10.4 million tonnes, according to official reports.

In addition to rare earth elements, the site contains significant deposits of other valuable industrial minerals, including 27.1 million tonnes of fluorite and 37.2 million tonnes of baryte. Authorities have categorized both as super-large deposits, highlighting their economic and strategic importance for China’s industrial supply chains.

Fluorite and baryte emerge as key strategic resources

While the rare earth findings are substantial, industry experts emphasize that fluorite and baryte may be the most impactful discoveries.

Rare earth elements—a group of 17 critical materials—are essential for manufacturing technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced military equipment. These new reserves are expected to further reinforce China’s dominance in the global rare earth market.

However, according to leading geological experts, fluorite and baryte stand out due to their direct role in key industrial processes:

• Fluorite (fluorspar) is vital for semiconductor production and lithium-ion batteries

• Baryte is crucial in oil and gas drilling, where it stabilizes wells and prevents dangerous blowouts

Without baryte, modern energy exploration—including shale extraction—would face serious limitations.

Additional antimony discovery strengthens China’s resource base

In a separate development, authorities in Gansu Province reported the discovery of over 51,000 tonnes of antimony in Tanchang County.

Antimony is widely used as a flame retardant in plastics and electronic components, making it a key material for manufacturing and safety applications. This new deposit is expected to increase the region’s confirmed reserves by more than 50%, further enhancing China’s supply capabilities.

China leverages rare earth dominance amidglobal trade tensions

China’s strong control over rare earth production has become an increasingly important factor in global trade dynamics, particularly in its ongoing economic tensions with the United States.

In response to trade restrictions, China introduced export controls on key rare earth elements and permanent magnets, requiring companies to obtain government approval before exporting certain materials.

These measures were implemented following tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the U.S., signaling a strategic use of resource control in geopolitical negotiations.

Export policy adjustments impact global supply chains

To balance control with market stability, China later introduced long-term export licenses, allowing select partners more predictable access to critical materials.

This adjustment has already influenced global trade patterns:

• European markets have adapted quickly, leading to a recovery in shipments

• U.S. imports remain lower, reflecting ongoing trade and regulatory challenges


These developments highlight how critical mineral supply chains are increasingly shaped by both economic policy and geopolitical strategy.

Conclusion: a strategic shift in slobal critical mineral supply

China’s latest discoveries of rare earth elements, fluorite, baryte, and antimony reinforce its dominant position in global resource markets. Beyond sheer volume, the strategic value of these materials—especially for clean energy, electronics, and defense—makes them central to future technological and economic competition.