Rare Earth Production by Country
Rare earth production by country is led by China, which mined about 69% of the world's rare earths in 2025. World mine production reached about 390,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide, according to USGS estimates, with the United States, Australia and Myanmar the next largest producers.
| Country | Production | Share of world | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 270,000 | 69% | Set by government mining quotas; bastnaesite (Bayan Obo) and ionic clays |
| United States | 51,000 | 13% | Almost all from Mountain Pass, California |
| Australia | 29,000 | 7% | Mainly Mt Weld (Lynas) and mineral sands |
| Burma (Myanmar) | 22,000 | 6% | Ionic clays rich in heavy rare earths; supply to China |
| Thailand | 4,800 | 1% | Mostly from mineral sands |
| Nigeria | 1,500 | <1% | By-product of tin and columbite mining |
| Other countries | 11,700 | 3% | Including India, Russia, Vietnam, Brazil, Madagascar and Malaysia |
| World | 390,000 | 100% | Rounded USGS total |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Rare Earths. "Other countries" is the difference between the USGS world total and the listed countries. Figures are estimates; China's output follows government quotas, and Myanmar's is hard to measure.
Mining vs Processing: Why Production Understates China's Control
Mine production is only the first step. Much of the ore mined in Myanmar, Laos and, until 2025, the United States has been shipped to China for separation, because China operates most of the world's separation plants. The IEA estimates China accounts for around 90% of rare earth refining, so China's share of separated oxides and magnets is much higher than its share of mining.
What the Production Data Means for Investors
- The United States is now the second-largest miner, but it still separates only part of its output domestically, which is why MP Materials' separation and magnet expansion matters.
- Myanmar is a key source of heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium, and conflict there has repeatedly disrupted supply to Chinese separators.
- China's quotas set the global tone. Changes to China's annual mining quotas affect world supply more than any other single factor.
Rare Earth Production FAQ
Which country produces the most rare earths?
China produces the most rare earths, with about 270,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide in 2025, around 69% of world mine production according to USGS estimates.
How much rare earth does the United States produce?
The United States produced about 51,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide in 2025, almost all from the Mountain Pass mine in California, making it the second-largest producer.
Does mine production show who controls rare earth supply?
Mine production understates China's control. China also separates most of the ore mined elsewhere and makes most of the world's rare earth magnets, so its share of refined products is higher than its share of mining.