Bayan Obo Mine
CountryChina
RegionInner Mongolia
Year Opened1927
Size/DepthVarious
MineralRare Earths/Iron
About Bayan Obo Mine
The largest rare earth deposit in the world by a wide margin. Began as an iron mine in 1927 in Inner Mongolia. Supplies the majority of world rare earth production at times. Metals like neodymium and dysprosium from here power magnets worldwide. Giant tailings ponds line the edge of the Gobi. The deposit reshaped global technology supply chains.