Rare earth minerals, a group of 17 metallic elements, are the unsung heroes behind many modern technologies, from smartphones to fighter jets. China's grip on their production has sparked global concern, raising questions about supply chains and geopolitical leverage.
On 29 January 2025, Polytechnique Insights highlighted China's dominance, noting its 69% share of global rare earth production in the 2023 Polytechnique Insights. Let's unpack what these minerals are, their uses, and whether China's control is as ironclad as it seems.
