Chinese rare-earth project in Laos stumbles as industry rakes in profits

MaterialsMine halted to ensure 'compliance with law,' highlighting risks in booming businessA sample of bastnaesite ore, a mineral used in the rare earth industry to extract elements, is displayed at the Geological Museum of China in Beijing in October 2025. Chinese miners of the materials are reporting strong earnings. © ReutersKENJI KAWASEAugust 11, 2026 11:00 JSTTOKYO -- A Chinese rare-earth mining operation in Laos has come to a halt, according to the companies involved, raising questions about risks in a rapidly growing industry in which major players have been reporting stellar first-half earnings.