New Rare Earth Formations discovered in Northeastern China
Scientists in China have identified a new type of rare earths formation in the frigid northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin . This is a discovery that could fundamentally challenge assumptions about how rare earths occur across the country. Unlike the clay-heavy deposits of southern China which require chemical leaching to release the elements, an expensive and strenous process, the northern formations consist of loose sand and gravel formed by natural freeze-thaw cycles. This difference could make extraction more efficient, less costly and better for the environment. The find could help China further secure its global dominance in rare earths production
(Why China rare earth breakthrough in icy northeast could cement global dominance, South China Morning Post, May 18, 2026 https://sc.mp/s2sl6)