Global Rare Earth Production by Country
Last updated:
This page tracks global rare earth production volumes by country, updated annually with USGS data. Production concentration is a key supply-chain risk factor for REE investors.
Global REE Production: 2024 Estimate
| Country | Production (Tonnes REO) | % Global | Primary Ore Type | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 140,000 | 60% | Bastnaesite, ionic clay | Mixed LREE/HREE |
| USA | 38,000 | 16% | Bastnaesite (Mountain Pass) | LREE-heavy |
| Myanmar | 22,000 | 9% | Monazite | LREE |
| Australia | 15,000 | 6% | Monazite | LREE |
| Vietnam | 10,000 | 4% | Ionic clay | HREE-heavy |
| Others | 8,000 | 3% | Various | Mixed |
Key Insights
- China dominance: 60% of global production. Highest concentration risk.
- USA growth: Mountain Pass reactivation increasing US share. From near-zero to 16% since 2020.
- Myanmar production risk: Political instability creates supply uncertainty.
- LREE vs HREE split: LREE-producing countries (USA, Myanmar, Australia) outnumber HREE producers (China, Vietnam).
Processing Capacity Concentration
Mining production differs significantly from processing capacity. China controls 60-80% of separation capacity, meaning much of the ore produced outside China is shipped to China for processing.
Data Sources and Methodology
- Primary: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (Annual)
- Secondary: Company production reports, industry associations
- Update frequency: Annually (January)
- Caveat: China production data is estimated. Official figures are not always disclosed.
Last verified: January 2025. View reserves and resources data