The rare earth is an important strategic material,but its current global reserves cannot meet the future demand. Therefore, it is urgent to find and develop potential rare earth resources. Based on previous research results, this paper proposes an evaluation index system, with assigned weights, to evaluate the development potential of the global rare earth resources. The following conclusions can be drawn. (1) The evaluation index system is composed of that of the mineral resource development potential and that of the policy environment, with a greater weight for the former and a smaller weight for the latter. (2) In terms of the prospective reserves, China has the largest reserves of the light rare earth, while Denmark (Greenland) has the largest reserves of the heavy rare earth. (3) In terms of the deposit grade, Prado mine in Brazil, Steenkampskraal mine in South Africa, Pea Ridge mine in the United States and Tomtor mine in Russia are among the top rare earth grades in the world. (4) In terms of the deposit development potential, Russia, Denmark (Greenland), Australia, Canada and the United States have the most potential rare earth deposits without counting China. In the face of the increasing supply potential of the global rare earth, China must increase the exploration of its own resources, fully understand the latest development trend of the international rare earth industry, make plans in advance, make full use of the overseas rare earth resources, and ensure the supply security and the industrial chain advantages of China's rare earth resources.

rare earth  /  prospective reserves  /  development potential  /  resource security