[REEs] Top Countries with High-Purity Rare Earth Refining Capabilities 具備高純度稀土精煉能力的主要國家

China, the United States, Australia, and Brazil lead in high-purity rare earth metal production and refining, while countries like Turkey, Myanmar, and Pakistan are emerging players with significant reserves but limited refining capacity.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the global landscape:

Emerging or Strategic Players

Turkey

Reserves: Claims of 694 million tons of rare earth elements in Beylikova, Eskişehir—possibly the world’s second-largest deposit.

Technology: Currently lacks full-scale refining infrastructure but aims to become a top-five global player.

Partnerships: In talks with the U.S. for joint development and refining projects.

Myanmar (Burma)

Production: China’s largest external source of rare earths, especially heavy rare earths like dysprosium.

Technology: Limited domestic refining; most raw materials are exported to China for processing.

Concerns: Mining is concentrated in conflict zones, with environmental and human rights issues.

Pakistan

Reserves: Rich in monazite, xenotime, and bastnaesite across Punjab, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Technology: No domestic refining yet; first rare earth shipment sent to the U.S. in 2025 under a $500M deal.

Russia

Reserves: Modest but strategic.

Technology: Developing refining capacity, especially for defense and aerospace needs.

India

Reserves: Coastal monazite sands.

Technology: Developing refining through state-owned entities; still limited in scale.

Why Refining Matters

Producing high-purity rare earths involves:

Separation of chemically similar elements.

Purification to 99.9%+ levels for use in magnets, lasers, and electronics.

Environmental controls to manage radioactive byproducts.

Pakistan and Chinese Refining Technology: What’s True So Far

Strategic Cooperation Exists: Pakistan and China have a long-standing partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes mining and mineral development. China has helped Pakistan explore and assess rare earth deposits, especially in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Technology Transfer Is Limited: While China has provided geological surveys and some technical support, Pakistan has not yet acquired full-scale rare earth refining technology. The country lacks the infrastructure for high-purity separation and processing — the most complex and critical part of the supply chain.

Recent Developments:

In 2025, Pakistan made its first rare earth shipment to the U.S., including neodymium and antimony, under a $500 million deal with U.S. Strategic Metals.

This suggests growing international interest, but the refining was likely done outside Pakistan — possibly in the U.S. or China.

Future Potential: Pakistan could develop refining capabilities through joint ventures or tech transfer agreements, especially with China or Western partners. But as of now, it remains primarily a raw material supplier.