China and India in Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

Concerning China and India in the context of Rare Earth Elements (REEs):

What exactly are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?

A collection of 17 metals (LREEs + HREEs), essential for clean energy technologies (electric vehicles, wind turbines), defense, and advanced devices.

Distinction:

Element China India

Reserves account for approximately 50% of the world's total reserves (the largest). There are deposits as well, but they represent a significantly smaller portion, primarily located in Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu.

Production (past 5 years) Represents over 60% of worldwide output, while contributing less than 2% to global production (mainly through Indian Rare Earths Ltd. under DAE)

Refining Capacity ~92% of worldwide refining capability → leads the value chain Minimal refining; primarily exports unprocessed monazite sands, limited processing technology.

Exports / Global Supply Account for roughly 30% of worldwide demand (leading exporter) Highly reliant on imports; over 75% of imports sourced from China (since 2021)

Research & Innovation Leaders in REE studies (~30% of worldwide publications) ~6% of global research production.