Rhenium - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A scarce metal used in high-temperature superalloys and catalysts.Rhenium is generally recovered alongside other metals. The tables cover country production and available reserve estimates.
Rhenium Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Mine production (kilograms)
Rhenium Production by Country (2020-2025)
Mine production · Unit: kilograms
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chile | 30,000 | 30,000 | 29,000 | 30,000 | 29,000 | 30,000 | 37.0% | 0.0% |
| #2 | China | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 24.7% | +700.0% |
| #3 | Poland | 9,510 | 9,290 | 6,310 | 6,300 | 9,400 | 10,000 | 12.3% | +5.2% |
| #4 | United States | 8,830 | 9,290 | 8,870 | 9,100 | 9,310 | 9,800 | 12.1% | +11.0% |
| #5 | Uzbekistan | 4,900 | 4,900 | 4,900 | 4,900 | 7,400 | 7,000 | 8.6% | +42.9% |
| #6 | South Korea | 2,800 | 2,800 | 2,800 | 2,800 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3.7% | +7.1% |
| #7 | Kazakhstan | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1.2% | +100.0% |
| #8 | Armenia | 260 | 260 | 260 | 280 | 200 | 200 | 0.2% | -23.1% |
| - | World Total | 59,300 | 59,500 | 55,100 | 56,000 | 79,800 | 81,000 | 100.0% | +36.6% |
Rhenium Proven Reserves by Country (2025)
Basis: Reserves · Unit: kilograms
| Rank | Country | Reserves (kilograms) | World Share | USGS Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chile | 1,300,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. - Estimated rhenium recovered from roaster residues from Belgium, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. |
| #2 | United States | 400,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #3 | Russia | 310,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #4 | China | 200,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #5 | Kazakhstan | 190,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #6 | Armenia | 95,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhenium: Production | kilograms | 9,290 | 8,870 | 9,410 | 9,310 | 9,800 |
| Rhenium: Imports for consumption: Rhenium, unwrought and powders | kilograms | 15,900 | 11,000 | 10,200 | 12,600 | 23,000 |
| Rhenium: Imports for consumption: Ammonium perrhenate | kilograms | 6,020 | 8,810 | 4,890 | 7,450 | 7,800 |
| Rhenium: Exports | kilograms | 0 | 92 | 689 | 735 | 2,200 |
| Rhenium: Consumption, apparent | kilograms | 31,200 | 28,600 | 23,800 | 28,700 | 38,000 |
| Rhenium: Employment, number | number | Small | Small | Small | Small | Small |
| Rhenium: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 70% | 69% | 61% | 68% | 75% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Rhenium
Which country leads rhenium production (mine production)?
Chile leads the 2025 USGS country table for mine production, with 30,000 kilograms (estimated) (37.0% of the reported world total). World output was 81,000 kilograms in 2025.
Which country holds the largest reported rhenium reserves?
Chile ranks first in the USGS reserve table, with 1,300,000 kilograms (Reserves).
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for rhenium?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 75% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (Ammonium perrhenate) were Canada (25%), Kazakhstan (24%), Poland (20%).
How is rhenium classified on the US Critical Minerals List and what are its primary uses?
Status: Listed on 2025 US List (Added in 2025 Final List). Primary applications cited in USGS summaries include: Single-crystal nickel-base superalloy turbine blades for jet engines and industrial gas turbines, and platinum-rhenium petroleum reforming catalysts. Rhenium is recovered mainly during copper and molybdenum processing. Recycling superalloy scrap and spent catalysts provides additional supply.