Right now, the US and China are locked in a silent but intense battle over something most people don’t talk about i.e. rare earth minerals. These minerals are essential for making everything from smartphones to electric cars, and China currently controls the majority of the global supply. Even Apple relies heavily on imports of these rare earths from China to produce iPhones. But with growing trade tensions and tariff wars between the two superpowers, the future of this supply chain remains uncertain.

Bangladesh rare earth minerals find

In a surprising development, researchers in Bangladesh have discovered rare earth minerals in several regions of the country. According to local scientists, these valuable minerals have been found in river basin sands, coastal beach sands, elevated lands called “chars,” and even coal mines. While experts are still assessing the commercial potential of these findings, the discovery could open new doors for the country’s economy.

If these resources turn out to be viable for commercial mining, Bangladesh might suddenly find itself in a global spotlight. While Pakistan continues to knock on the doors of world powers for financial aid, its once smaller neighbor might soon see the US and China knocking on its door.

Will America look to Yunus?

Given the growing pressure on the US to reduce its dependence on Chinese minerals, this could be the opportunity it has been waiting for US President Donald Trump had already looked to Ukraine for such resources. Now, with China possibly limiting its exports, the US might just turn to Bangladesh as an alternative source. If this happens, Bangladesh could become a key player in reshaping the geopolitical balance.

The new age resource war

Experts say that rare earth minerals are quickly becoming one of the biggest reasons behind modern geopolitical rivalries. The 21st century might not be defined by oil or territory, but by who controls these rare elements. And as the West, led by the US, tries to break China’s monopoly, Bangladesh could unexpectedly become one of the most talked-about names in this global tug-of-war.