The Trump administration’s efforts to secure Myanmar’s rare earth minerals expose a profound misunderstanding of the country’s intricate political tapestry. As the race for critical rare earth elements intensifies, the geopolitical stakes are high. However, the reality on the ground reveals that American policy faces insurmountable challenges, particularly due to the control of mining operations by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a situation that presents a no-win scenario for U.S. interests.
A Misaligned Strategy
In July 2025, the U.S. lifted sanctions on allies of Myanmar’s military junta and began contemplating direct engagement with ethnic rebel groups. This shift was aimed at diversifying sources of rare earths outside of China, but it overlooked the complexities inherent in Myanmar’s political landscape. The country’s wealth of minerals is not under the junta’s control but rather in the hands of armed factions such as the KIA, complicating American strategies and illuminating the difficulties of sourcing these critical materials.
Criticism from International Experts
The U.S. approach has drawn sharp rebuke from international experts. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, characterized the rollback of sanctions as “shocking,” warning that it could further entrench a military regime that continues to perpetrate human rights abuses. Swedish expert Bertil Lintner echoed these sentiments, labeling American hopes to access the mines as “totally crazy.” He highlighted the logistical challenges of transporting rare earths across a border heavily monitored by Chinese authorities, suggesting that any aspirations to circumvent Chinese economic influence may be short-lived.
Industry voices align with these concerns. Nabeel Mancheri of the Global Rare Earth Industry Association asserted that the claims of Chinese manufacturers regarding the absence of Myanmar materials are misleading, stressing that alternative sourcing options are scarce. The geopolitical landscape is so dominated by China that any attempt by the U.S. to reconfigure supply chains seems fraught with complications.
Policy Choices and Human Rights
The administration’s inclination to negotiate with Myanmar’s junta raises critical ethical questions. By easing sanctions and engaging with a regime known for its brutality, the U.S. appears to prioritize resource access over democratic values and human rights. This approach not only misjudges the conflict dynamics in Myanmar but also inadvertently supports authoritarian governance. The KIA, rather than the junta, controls the mines, and their reliance on Chinese refineries further complicates the situation. As the junta continues its violent crackdown on civilians, U.S. gestures toward normalization reward authoritarianism without yielding any tangible benefits.
Environmental Concerns
Compounding these geopolitical and ethical dilemmas are significant environmental risks associated with Myanmar’s rare earth mining industry. Toxic mining practices, many established under the oversight of local warlords, have devastated local ecosystems and polluted water supplies. The rush to exploit rare earths emerged after China implemented stricter environmental regulations, prompting mining operations to shift to Kachin State, where oversight is lax. The extraction process itself is environmentally hazardous, raising alarms about the sustainability of such ventures.
The Current Landscape of Rare Earths
The KIA’s takeover of nearly all rare earth mining operations in October 2024 underscores the urgency of addressing these conflicts. The group now manages the extraction of vital elements such as dysprosium and terbium, which are crucial for modern technologies including electric vehicles and military equipment. Despite this local control, all raw materials must be sent to China for processing, tying Myanmar’s fortunes to its giant neighbor’s economy and underlining the complexities of establishing a reliable supply chain free from Chinese influence.
Reevaluating U.S. Strategy
Given the challenges posed by both the political landscape and the realities of rare earth extraction, the U.S. must reconsider its approach. Instead of pursuing partnerships with either the military junta or ethnic armed groups, a long-term strategy that upholds American values is essential. The U.S. should reverse the recently lifted sanctions on junta allies and amplify support for the National Unity Government—a coalition of pro-democracy leaders striving to restore governance.
Investments in domestic rare earth processing facilities could provide a sustainable alternative, allowing the U.S. to diversify its supply chains while reducing dependency on China. Collaborating with stable democratic nations would enhance long-term energy security and reflect a commitment to ethical practices.
The Path Forward
Ultimately, any future engagement with Myanmar must prioritize the restoration of democratic governance and the safeguarding of human rights over immediate resource acquisition. The current U.S. strategy neglects its stated goals, disrupting regional stability and legitimizing a repressive regime. True energy security is not achievable through deals with dictators; it requires a commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and democratic principles that resonate globally. In the pursuit of rare earths, the U.S. has the opportunity to lead by example, fostering partnerships that reflect both strategic interests and core values.