YANGON: An armed group fighting Myanmar's ruling military said it has taken control of a mining hub that is a major supplier of rare earth oxides to China, likely disrupting shipments of elements used in clean energy and other technologies.

An armed group has seized control of a key mining hub in Myanmar, disrupting the supply of rare earth elements essential for clean energy technologies. This development jeopardizes shipments from Myanmar to China and may result in heightened prices for rare earth oxides globally.

With Myanmar responsible for 57% of global dysprosium and terbium supply, prolonged disruption would limit feedstock for permanent magnets used in motors of 90% of electric vehicles.