Inside the world's largest rare earth mine, with reserves of 1.4 billion tons.

CHINA - With total reserves reaching 1.4 billion tons, it is not only the largest rare earth mine on the planet but also a vital link in the global technology supply chain.

A huge 'treasure' underground

Nestled amidst the grasslands north of Baotou city in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (China), the Bayan Obo mine is considered the "rare earth heart" of the world .

Few would have guessed that this once desolate land contains 38% of the world's ever-discovered rare earth reserves.

A panoramic view of the open-pit mine at Baiyun Ebo, spanning 3 km in length and 280 m in depth, is considered the 'heart' of the world's largest rare earth mine. Photo: Baidu

The story begins in 1927, when geologist Dinh Dao Hanh discovered unusual signs in the rock layers here.

This discovery quickly triggered a series of large-scale surveys, gradually revealing an unprecedentedly vast mineral reserve.

After nearly a century of exploration and exploitation, Baiyun Ebo has become a symbol of China's mining industry.

Besides rare earth elements, the mine also contains iron, niobium, and many other strategic metals, which are indispensable materials in the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductor chips, and defense equipment.

Therefore, every ton of ore extracted from this area not only has economic value but is also linked to the technological competition between nations.

A 280-meter-deep 'cut' into the Earth.

The most breathtaking sight upon entering Bach Van Ngac Bac is the enormous open-pit mine—considered the "operational heart" of the entire area.

The mine pit is approximately 3 km long, 2 km wide, and up to 280 meters deep, forming a giant "cut" through the Earth's crust.

Viewed from above, the layers of rock resemble the planet's age rings, each layer bearing the imprint of hundreds of millions of years of geological evolution.

The mine pit at Baiyun Ebo is up to 280 meters deep—equivalent to the height of an 80-90 story building—with terraced mining levels revealing geological structures hundreds of millions of years old. Photo: Baidu

At the bottom of the mine, dozens of giant mining machines operate non-stop, and heavy trucks line up to transport ore, creating a closed industrial cycle.

The metallic sounds, engine noises, and constant operation make this place resemble a giant "open-air factory," where scarce resources are transformed into economic value every minute.

What makes Bach Van Ngac Bac special is not only its scale, but also the role of rare earth elements. Although the name may sound unfamiliar, these elements are present in most high-tech products.

From phone screens and electric vehicle batteries to permanent magnet motors, all require rare earth elements to function effectively. In the clean energy industry, they help increase wind turbine efficiency and reduce energy consumption. In the defense industry, they are indispensable components of many advanced systems.

Therefore, controlling the supply of rare earth elements means holding a key to the future economy.

Transforming mineral mines into 'billion-dollar experiences'

Beyond mere exploitation, Bach Van Ngac Bac is being shaped as a new business model: transforming resources into tourism and educational products.

Mining and transportation of ore take place continuously within the mine, which possesses reserves of up to 1.4 billion tons of rare earth elements. Photo: Baidu

Visitors come here not only to "see the mine" but also to understand how a rock becomes a component in the phone they use.

The exhibition areas, which simulate the refining process and applications of rare earth elements, help transform complex concepts into visual experiences.

In particular, field tours around the mine and the surrounding grassland area allow visitors to observe the geological structure firsthand and even participate in mineral identification activities under the guidance of experts.

The combination of industry and tourism has yielded tangible results. In 2024 alone, the mining area welcomed over 150,000 visitors, a significant increase compared to previous years.

Events such as rare earth fairs or geological science festivals not only attract professionals but also draw large numbers of tourists curious about the "land of billions of tons".

This is seen as a strategic shift: from a purely resource extraction center to a multi-value economic model. Instead of just selling ore, the mine now "sells experiences," "sells knowledge," and even tells the story of the future industry.

From a chance discovery nearly 100 years ago, Baiyun Ebo has become a symbol of China's resource power and economic vision. Beneath hundreds of meters of rock and soil, a 1.4 billion-ton "treasure" continues to operate, silently nurturing the industrial machinery of the modern world.

According to Baidu

By refusing to hand over its massive rare earth mines to Trump, how much of Ukraine's treasure is it? Ukrainian President Zelensky said it would be difficult for Ukraine to "survive" without US military support. However, Kyiv refused to hand over its mineral resources to the Trump administration. How valuable are Ukraine's rich resources?

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ben-trong-mo-dat-hiem-lon-nhat-the-gioi-tru-luong-1-4-ty-tan-2501835.html