China's Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Wednesday that the country holds the world's largest reserves of 14 key minerals and leads global production in 17 others. This highlights China's major role in global resource supply chains. The data was disclosed at a monthly media briefing.
China's Ministry of Natural Resources stated at a monthly media briefing on Wednesday that the country ranks first globally in reserves of 14 key minerals, including rare earths, tungsten, tin, molybdenum, antimony, and graphite. It also leads in production of 17 commodities, such as coal, rare earths, gold, and zinc.
In 2025, China's mining output value reached about 32.7 trillion yuan ($4.8 trillion), accounting for more than 23% of gross domestic product. The ministry noted that China maintains large-scale mining, smelting, and processing capacities, positioning it as a key supplier in global resource supply chains.
Officials said growth in resource reserves has strengthened the country's supply security. The ministry vowed to accelerate mineral exploration during the 15th five-year plan period from 2026 to 2030 amid geopolitical risks affecting resources.
Beijing has tightened export controls on rare metals in recent years, measures widely viewed as responses to Western sanctions and tensions with the United States and Japan.
