In the rapidly evolving world of advanced technology and defense, Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have emerged as the backbone of innovation. From fighter jets to smartphones, these 17 vital chemical elements power the modern age. An F-35 fighter jet, for instance, requires as much as 920 pounds (around 420 kilograms) of REEs for its construction. Yet, the global distribution and control of these resources are alarmingly uneven.
The Global REE Landscape: A Strategic Tug-of-War
Despite being a technological superpower, the United States has only about 19 million metric tons of REE reserves—insufficient to meet its growing needs. For years, the U.S. relied heavily on China, importing billions of dollars’ worth of REEs annually. However, geopolitical tensions have increasingly disrupted this dependence. During the final phase of the Biden administration, U.S.-China trade relations began to strain, culminating under the Trump administration with the strategic takeover of two ports in the Panama Canal previously controlled by China.
Given that China currently controls over 90% of global REE production, the United States is now under pressure to diversify its REE supply sources urgently. China's dominance stems from its massive reserves—around 43 million metric tons. Brazil follows with 22 million metric tons, then Japan, Tanzania, and India. Interestingly, the U.S. has set its sights on Myanmar—a move that raises questions, given the availability of alternatives like Brazil or India.
Why Myanmar? Quality Over Quantity
Myanmar's Kachin State has become a focal point in the REE game. China has been extracting around 60,000 metric tons of REEs per year from this region over the past four years—totaling over 350,000 metric tons already. Since Kachin is under the control of the China-aligned Kachin Independence Army (KIA), these operations continue unchallenged.
What makes Myanmar particularly attractive is the quality of its REEs. According to analysts, the REEs found in Kachin are world-class in purity and concentration—a rare trait even among countries with larger reserves.
Bangladesh Enters the Conversation
With rising global demand and competition for REEs, attention is gradually turning to Bangladesh—a country that may hold a strategic advantage in the coming REE race.
Although kept classified until the 1990s, international research organizations have confirmed since 2010 that significant REE deposits exist in various parts of Bangladesh, including Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, and Barguna.
Key REE Sites in Bangladesh
Bangladesh currently has six known REE sites, four of which are in Chattogram. Among them:
Site-2 (Bashbaria to Fatickchari in Hathazari): Rich in heavy and radioactive REEs such as Scandium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Gadolinium, and Dysprosium.
Site-3 (Sitakunda to Hatikandi in Mirsarai): Contains significant deposits of Lanthanum and Neodymium.
Site-4 (Salimpur to North Kattali): Believed to hold Uranium-235 and Lanthanum.
Site-6 (Santoshpur to Sarikait in Sandwip): Known for Europium and Lutetium.
Outside of Chattogram, Barguna Sadar is considered a control site due to its geological profile. In addition, traces of REEs have been found in Gazaria, Munshiganj, and in the Meghna River bed, according to a foreign report in 2020.
Strategic Implications for Bangladesh
Bangladesh's REE potential is not only plausible but strategically advantageous, especially considering neighboring Myanmar and India—both of which have confirmed reserves near their borders with Bangladesh. Intelligence reports suggest Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which borders Chattogram, also holds REE reserves. Given this regional pattern, Bangladesh’s REE presence is not surprising, and possibly substantial.
Though the exact quantity remains unverified, multiple research groups have praised the high quality of REEs found in Bangladesh—positioning the country as a valuable player in future global REE supply chains.
What Are Rare Earth Elements?
Rare Earth Elements refer to 17 elements in the periodic table, including:
Light REEs: Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm).
Heavy REEs: Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu).
Additional elements: Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y), which are often included due to similar properties.
These elements are crucial in the production of permanent magnets, hybrid vehicle motors, wind turbines, LEDs, glass polishing, and virtually all electronic devices like smartphones, speakers, and laptops.
Looking Ahead
As global powers compete for REE dominance, smaller countries like Bangladesh could become key strategic assets—either through direct extraction or via geopolitical influence. With Myanmar already under global radar, Bangladesh must make smart moves—prioritizing exploration, environmental safeguarding, and diplomatic agility.
The age of Rare Earth Elements is here. The question is—will Bangladesh seize the opportunity?
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