China Claims Global Dominance in Essential Mineral Reserves

China is flexing its dominance over the global supply chain – claiming the world’s largest reserves of 14 essential minerals, including rare earths and graphite – while preparing to ramp up exploration through the end of the decade.

The Ministry of Natural Resources disclosed the information at a monthly media briefing on Wednesday, vowing that China would continue accelerating its search for minerals during the 15th five-year plan period spanning 2026 to 2030.

The message underscores Beijing’s commitment to resource security at a time when industrial inputs are increasingly on the front line of geopolitical competition.

Beyond its reserve claim, the ministry said China was the top global producer in 17 categories last year, including coal, rare earths and gold.

Beijing has ratcheted up export controls on several rare metals in recent years – measures widely seen as retaliation for Western sanctions and escalating regional tensions with the United States and Japan.

The scale of China’s mining and processing sector has become a cornerstone of the national economy. In 2025, the industry’s total output reached 32.7 trillion yuan (US$4.8 trillion), accounting for more than 23 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to the ministry.