Can China turn its green minerals alliance into global rare earth power?

SHANGHAI: It was late 2024 when one of the world’s most important sources of heavy rare earths fell into turmoil. In Myanmar’s northern war-torn Kachin state, where Chinese-linked operators and a junta-allied militia had long overseen mining of ionic clay ores, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reportedly seized control of key rare earth hubs. As the group tightened its grip on licensing, taxation, and ore movement, mining slowed sharply. For Beijing, the disruption cut deep. Subscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in Review Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week’s biggest news every Saturday. This service is…