Despite initial export controls, China has resumed flows, easing tensions with both the US and the European Union, who were also affected by the slump in supplies.

But appearances can be deceiving: in fact, this pit is home to a million tonne stockpile containing critical minerals, and Australia's bet on the future. Earlier this year, carmakers and other manufacturers around the world rushed to their war rooms,

Luu Anh Tuan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in Vietnam after signing a technology transfer agreement to bring rare earth separation capabilities to Nevada.

Australian Mining spotlights two ASX-listed companies working to overcome China’s dominance in the global rare earths market.