Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India and Myanmar Strengthen Rare Earth Mining Ties
India and Myanmar are working together to mine rare earth minerals.
These minerals are very important for making things like electric car motors and wind turbines.
China controls most of the world's supply of these minerals, which gives them a lot of power.
Myanmar is the third-largest producer of these minerals, and India wants to work with them to get more of these minerals without relying on China.
This is important for India's technology and defense industries.
India and Myanmar are deepening cooperation in rare earth mining.
Myanmar is the world's third-largest rare earth producer, with 31,000 tonnes in 2024.
China controls 60% of global rare earth deposits and 90% of processing.
India imports significant amounts of rare earth metals and compounds.
India seeks to reduce dependency on China for strategic minerals.
- Who
- India and Myanmar
- What
- Strengthening cooperation in rare earth mining
- When
- Recent visits by Indian teams to Myanmar
- Where
- Myanmar
- Why
- To reduce dependency on China for rare earth supplies
Geopolitical Diversification
Chinese Dominance
Supply Chain Security
Geopolitical Diversification
India seeks to reduce dependency on China by diversifying rare earth supplies through Myanmar.
Chinese Dominance
China maintains control over 60% of global rare earth deposits and 90% of processing, leveraging this for geopolitical influence.
Economic Impact
Geopolitical Diversification
Myanmar's rare earth production, especially in dysprosium and terbium, offers India a strategic alternative.
Chinese Dominance
China's export restrictions on rare earth materials and technology limit global access and processing capabilities.
- Myanmar's Rare Earth Production
- 31,000 tonnes in 2024
- China's Market Share
- 60% of global deposits, 90% of processing
- India's Rare Earth Imports (FY25)
- 1185 tonnes of metals, 1086 tonnes of compounds
- Key Rare Earths in Myanmar
- Dysprosium and Terbium
- India's Global Mining Share
- Less than 1%