SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 18, 2026Interesting Engineering

China discovers rare earth deposits that could power future EV and defense tech

SMRTR summary

China has discovered new rare earth deposits in its northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin, potentially strengthening its already dominant grip on the global rare earth supply. Unlike southern deposits, these formations don't require costly, environmentally harmful chemical leaching to extract minerals. China already controls 90% of global rare earth refining, and these findings could deepen that advantage for EV motors, defense systems, and advanced technologies.

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