China Scientists to Visit Iran to Explore Rare Earths

China and Iran are strengthening scientific and technological cooperation in the strategically important rare earth minerals sector, with rare earth exploration and processing technology identified as key areas of collaboration under their joint programme this year.

The cooperation is being led by China’s National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) and the Iran National Science Foundation. The two state-run science organisations will fund joint workshops, research projects and exchange visits for scientists from both countries.

Rare earth elements comprise 17 metals that are essential for producing missiles, fighter jets, radar systems, batteries and advanced electronics. China currently dominates the global rare earth supply chain, including both reserves and processing capacity.

Iran, meanwhile, is believed to have significant rare earth potential across an area of around 7,000 square kilometres in central Iran. However, its extraction and processing capabilities remain at an early stage. Under the new cooperation, China is expected to provide technological support to help strengthen Iran’s capabilities in the sector.

The initiative comes amid the ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the United States, giving the cooperation added geopolitical significance.

The United States has also been seeking to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals and strengthen domestic supplies. The Trump administration recently announced a $3 billion investment in battery and rare earth projects as Washington seeks to secure supplies for its defence and technology industries.

China has already tightened restrictions on rare earth exports to the United States amid broader trade tensions between the two countries. The move has raised concerns over potential shortages of critical raw materials for US defence and technology companies.

Against this backdrop, closer China-Iran cooperation on rare earth exploration and processing could further reshape the strategic competition over critical minerals and increase geopolitical pressure on Washington.