World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Myanmar urges US to invest more in rare earths sector
Myanmar’s military-led government is urging the United States to invest more in the country’s rare earths sector.
The push follows renewed direct talks between Washington and Myanmar officials after years of US sanctions imposed following the 2021 military coup.
Myanmar is a major source of heavy rare earths, which are used to make magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other technology.
Most of the material is exported to China, which produces about 90% of the world’s rare earth magnets.
Rebel forces control key mining areas in Kachin state, where the Kachin Independence Army is fighting Myanmar’s military.
The US strategy seeks at least three investment or commercial deals worth more than $5 million each, while Myanmar’s government is pressing for a larger commitment.
Myanmar’s military-led government is urging the United States to increase investment in the country’s rare earths sector.
The US strategy aims to secure at least three commercial or investment deals worth more than $5 million each for US companies.
Myanmar is a major source of heavy rare earths, most of which are exported to China for processing.
The country’s main rare earths production sites in Kachin are controlled by the Kachin Independence Army.
The push comes as Washington seeks to compete with China in critical minerals and supply chains.
- Who
- Myanmar’s military-led government is urging the United States to invest more.
- What
- Myanmar wants greater US investment in its rare earths sector.
- When
- The story was published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Myanmar, including rare earths production sites in Kachin.
- Why
- The lobbying firm says minerals link Myanmar’s economic potential with US national security and supply-chain priorities.
Myanmar’s military-led government
US strategy
Investment target
Myanmar’s military-led government
Myanmar’s lobbying firm says the US goal of at least three deals worth more than $5 million each is modest.
US strategy
The strategy aims to secure at least three major commercial or investment deals valued above $5 million each for US companies.
A military coup triggered civil war in Myanmar.
Washington held direct talks with Myanmar officials, reversing its previous approach of isolating the generals.
The US State Department released a strategy document outlining a plan to expand influence and potentially gain access to Myanmar’s rare earth deposits.
Myanmar’s military-led government urged the United States to increase investment in the sector.
- US deal target
- At least 3 deals worth more than $5 million each
- Main production sites
- Kachin, controlled by the Kachin Independence Army
- Rare earth exports
- Most are exported to China
- China’s share of rare earth magnets
- About 90% of global output
What people are saying
Ultimately, the United States should treat Myanmar as a critical minerals priority, not simply a diplomatic challenge.
That is modest, given Myanmar's mineral resources and America's stated ambition to compete with China