Mapping the World's Rare Earth Deposits, Mines and Projects

Rare earth elements have become essential inputs for strategically important technologies, yet their production is concentrated in a small number of countries. As reliance grows on goods containing rare earths, so does vulnerability to supply disruptions stemming from social, economic or geopolitical instability abroad. Mapping where these rare earth resources are located takes on greater significance from an economic security and national competitiveness standpoint. This analysis provides a detailed global survey of identified rare earth deposits and reserve base locations. By illustrating the lopsided geographic distribution of below-ground rare earth endowments, it aims to offer insight into potential emerging chokepoints and imbalances in the critical mineral supply chains underpinning numerous industries. As the energy transition further drives demand for elements like neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium, dependence on foreign reserves will rise accordingly. This unpacks the strategic implications for both producer and consumer countries. With global rare earth supply chains increasingly shaped by geopolitics, understanding where resource wealth is concentrated takes on new urgency. SFA (Oxford) has mapped rare earth reserves and resources with a focus on maintaining diversified access and managing strategic risks across a supply chain that connects underground deposits to above-ground technological applications and economic competitiveness.