Myanmar rare earth supply disruptions could persist for months
As noted by Adamas in late October, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has taken control of key rare earth mining areas in Myanmar’s Kachin State, particularly around the towns of Pang War (aka Pangwa) and Chipwi.
The KIA captured Pang War, the largest rare earth mining center in Myanmar, on October 18, 2024, and completed its takeover of the Kachin Special Region 1, including Kan Pike Tee, a month later on November 20, 2024.
Consequently, most rare earth mining activities in Kachin State have been suspended since late 2024 and concentrate exports from Myanmar to China have fallen steeply as a result.