Chile aims to expand rare‑earth production as China‑US rivalry intensifies

Rare‑earth elements—seventeen chemically distinct minerals used in batteries, chips, magnets and other high‑tech products—are at the center of a global resource race. China controls more than 70 % of worldwide extraction and over 85 % of refining, leveraging its dominance for strategic and commercial advantage.

Researchers and policymakers in Latin America, notably Sergio Ticona of Peru’s Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, warn that the challenge is not only locating viable deposits but also developing environmentally responsible extraction technologies. Chile, together with other regional nations, is seeking to enter the supply chain to avoid falling behind as the United States tightens export controls on Chinese rare‑earths.

The move reflects broader geopolitical competition, with the United States and China each aiming to secure critical materials for defense, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, while Latin American countries pursue economic opportunities and greater autonomy in the sector.