Myanmar’s military led government is urging the United States to increase re-engagement and rapidly boost investment in the country’s rare earths mines, a sector dominated by neighbouring China. “Ultimately, the United States should treat Myanmar as a critical minerals priority, not simply a diplomatic challenge,” Washington lobbying firm DCI Group said in a newsletter on Monday published on behalf of Myanmar’s information ministry, as reported by Reuters.
The pitch follows a United States State Department strategy document released last week, after months of talks with Myanmar officials. The Integrated Country Strategy for Burma aims to secure at least three major commercial or investment deals worth more than $5 million each for American companies. In 2025, United States exports to Myanmar totalled $78.7 million against $762.3 million of imports.
Myanmar, in civil war since the 2021 coup, is one of the world’s main sources of heavy rare earths, most of which are exported to China to be turned into magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and other high technology goods. China produces about 90 percent of the world’s rare earth magnets, partly relying on raw material shipped from Myanmar, and has recently tightened state control of the sector.
The obstacle is territorial. Myanmar’s main rare earth production sites in northern Kachin State are controlled by the Kachin Independence Army, which seized the Pangwa and Chipwi mining belt in October 2024 and is fighting the military government making the pitch. The newsletter is an appeal for engagement, not a deal, and any United States investment would have to reckon with who actually holds the mines.