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

Chinese researchers identified new dissociation-type rare earth deposits in Heilongjiang and Jilin, northeastern China.

The deposits contain high concentrations of both light and heavy rare earth elements.

They may be extractable without chemical leaching, potentially making mining simpler and less polluting.

The discovery could lower costs, expand China’s resource base, and strengthen its grip on critical mineral supply chains for EVs and defense systems.