Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) has been a star performer so far in 2025 with its share price soaring by 203% to $19.81 by Friday's close.
The company operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is widely regarded as one of the most significant rare earths deposits in the world.
And in Malaysia, it owns one of the biggest rare earths processing facilities on the planet, producing separated rare earth materials for export to international markets.
Rare earths are a group of 17 elements critical for a host of new-age industries, including clean energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and robotics.
But here's the thing.
China dominates the market, producing more than 90% of the world's processed rare earths and rare earth magnets.
This dominance has prompted some Western nations – including the US – to seek alternative supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
And last week, this urgency intensified after China expanded its rare earths export controls by adding five more elements to its restricted list.
All up, the export of 12 out of 17 rare earths is now curbed.
The move sent ripples through global markets and thrust Lynas shares firmly into the spotlight.
Notably, Lynas claims to be the only major producer of separated rare earth materials outside of China.
In other words, it appears to be positioned at the forefront of the Western world's efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains from allied nations.
However, Lynas isn't alone.
Several other ASX mining stocks are advancing high-potential rare earths projects in geopolitically favourable locations.
Below, we highlight four surging ASX rare earths stocks that could help diversify the world's supply of these vital elements.
Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)
Meteoric is advancing towards production its Caldeira rare earths project in Brazil's infrastructure-rich state of Minas Gerais.
It believes Caldeira to be one of the most important undeveloped rare earths deposits in the world.
Situated in Minas Gerais, an infrastructure-rich region of Brazil, Caldeira could potentially become the largest ionic clay-hosted rare earth resource globally.
When operational, the project could account for about 8% of the world's annual rare earths oxide (REO) market and 7% of global neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) production.
These two elements are used in permanent magnets that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics.
Meteoric's share price has surged by 122% since the start of the year.
Verdis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM)
Verdis is another ASX rare earths stock operating in Brazil.
Its flagship Colossus project is located within the geologically fertile Poços De Caldas rare earths complex and is considered by management to be among the most economically robust rare earths projects globally.
Here, a recent economic assessment outlined a 20 year initial mine life and a modest two-year payback period to recoup the capital outlay to build a mine.
However, a subsequent reserve estimate suggested that mining at Colossus could extend for up to 40 years, with further exploration upside potential.
Shares in Verdis have soared by a stunning 401% so far in 2025.
Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)
Arafura is in the final funding phase for its construction-ready Nolans rare earths project in Australia's Northern Territory.
In other words, the company is ready to build a mine once full financing is secured.
So far, Arafura has locked in more than US$1 billion in conditional debt funding to support development of Nolans.
It has also signed offtake agreements with several major global partners, including Korean automotive giants Kia and Hyundai.
A 38 year mine life has been defined at Nolans.
Shares in Arafura have ballooned by 150% since the start of the year.
Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX: LIN)
Lindian owns the Kangankunde rare earths project in the African nation of Malawi.
So far, the group has defined reserves to support 45 years of mining at Kangankunde.
The project is also fully permitted and funded through to a first phase of mining.
Notably, NdPr elements make up about 20% of Kangankunde's total rare earths content. This could help the project become a significant contributor to the global magnet supply chain.
First rare earths production from Kangankunde is targeted for next year.
The market seems to have responded enthusiastically to Lindian's progress with the company's share price rocketing by 350% since the start of January.
