Reuters Exclusive : Myanmar Rebels Under Pressure from China, Global Supply of Heavy Rare Earths at Risk

The global supply of heavy rare earth elements is partially dependent on the ongoing monthslong conflict in northern Myanmar’s mountainous region, between rebel forces and the China-backed military junta. As part of the nationwide civil war that followed the 2021 military coup, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been fighting since December for control of the town of Hpakant, located less than 100 kilometers from the Chinese border.