U.S. Holds Second Round of Myanmar Junta Talks in Tokyo Despite Rebel Control of Heavy Rare Earth Mines

Highlights

• The KIA seized Chipwi and Pangwa heavy rare earth mining districts in October 2024, meaning the junta cannot deliver what Washington is negotiating for.
• Chinese buyers and border logistics dominate KIO-territory supply chains, making Western access nearly impossible without explicit KIA cooperation.
• REEx identifies four critical risks blocking bankable rare earth supply: territorial conflict, Chinese economic leverage, sanctions exposure, and environmental liabilities.
• U.S. Assistant Secretary Michael Vance led the second round of secret Tokyo talks, but no mineral agreement was reported.