New infographics prepared by analysts at Visual Capitalist based on recent data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) clearly demonstrate the actual distribution of global rare earth element reserves. These materials have long since evolved from highly specialised raw materials into the foundation of global technological and military power.
As of January 2025, total known global reserves of rare earth elements are estimated at approximately 91.9 million tonnes. Almost half of this volume, about 44 million tonnes, or about 48%, is concentrated in the People’s Republic of China. Today, Beijing already controls not only mining, but also most of the processing, as well as the production of magnets and components, without which the development of modern electronics, electric vehicles, wind energy and high-precision weapons would be impossible.
Brazil ranks second in terms of reserves. It has about 21 million tonnes, which is approximately 23% of the world’s total. Formally, this gives the country enormous resource potential, but unlike China, a significant portion of these deposits are still in the early stages of development. This makes Brazil a key ‘sleeping force’ in the future rare earth elements market. With sufficient investment and technological support, it could change the balance in the future.
Next come India with reserves of around 6.9 million tonnes, Australia with 5.7 million tonnes, Russia with 3.8 million tonnes and Vietnam with around 3.5 million tonnes. Together, these countries form the backbone of alternative suppliers of rare earth resources. In the coming years, countries seeking to reduce their dependence on China will increasingly turn to them. Together, the six leading countries account for almost four-fifths of all known global reserves.
At the same time, the United States has only 1.9 million tonnes of rare earth elements, approximately two per cent of global reserves. Today, Washington sees this as a national security vulnerability. That is why the American administration has stepped up its support for domestic production in recent months, simplified licensing procedures for new projects, and strengthened cooperation with allies that have their own deposits.
It is important to understand that rare earth elements are not just a component for green technologies and smartphones. They are the basis for the production of high-efficiency magnets, guidance systems, sensors, optical devices and new-generation military platforms. In this sense, rare earth elements are becoming one of the main strategic assets of the 21st century, along with oil in the 20th century and coal in the 19th century. Countries that have managed to maintain control over deposits and build closed production chains will gain long-term economic, technological and military advantages.
