Chinese scientists have discovered a new type of rare earth formation in the northeast, potentially making extraction more efficient. This find could further solidify China's leading position in the global rare earth market.

Chinese scientists have identified a new type of rare earths formation in the nation’s frigid northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin – a discovery that could challenge assumptions about how rare earths occur across the country. Unlike the clay-heavy deposits of southern China – which require chemical leaching to release the elements – the northern formations consist of loose sand and gravel formed by natural freeze-thaw cycles. This difference could make extraction more efficient, less...