China Northern Rare Earth Group Doubled Profit in 1Q26 Compared to 1Q25

In a statement released by China Northern Rare Earth Group (CNREG) on 14 April 2026, the company forecasted that its profit for the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26) would double compared to the corresponding quarter in 2025 (1Q25). The estimated profit is expected to be in the range of RMB 900 to 940 million, representing an increase of 109% to 118% compared to that same quarter last year, respectively.

CNREG (SHSE: 600111) attributes the windfall profit to the sharp rise in price for its #RareEarths. The company also emphasized that management improvement and production optimization contributed to the positive operational performance.

CNREG is a global leader in the light rare earth category, such as Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr). These Rare Earth Elements (#REE) go into NdPr magnets, which are essential for high-performance motors and clean energy technologies. Together with the China Rare Earth Group (CREG), which is located in southern China and specializes in heavy rare earths, the two giants basically control the world’s supply of Rare Earths.

CNREG also reported that its upgrade of the smelter is well underway and the modernized plant will be more environmentally friendly. The main structure has been completed and the project is now in the equipment installation stage.

On the same day, CNREF also released its annual report for 2025. Revenue reached RMB 42.6 billion, representing a 29% year-on-year growth. Net profit stook at RMB 2.3 billion, displaying a remarkable 124% growth year-on-year.

CNREG is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is the largest Rare Earth company by market capitalization, with a market value exceeding RMB 180 billion. The company is headquartered in the Hi-Tech Industrial Park in Baotou city of Inner Mongolia province, in northern China. It is close to the Bayan Obo deposit, the largest known rare earth resource identified in the world so far.