China's rare earths El Dorado gives strategic edge

Ganzhou, China (AFP) Dec 21, 2025
Buried in the reddish soil of southern China lies latent power: one of the largest clusters of crucial rare earths is mined around the clock by a secretive and heavily guarded industry. The hills of Jiangxi province are home to most of China's rare earth mines, with the materials used in a wide range of products including smartphones and missile guidance technology. The flourishing indus