Chinese threat actor Dragonbridge targeting Rare Earth Mining companies for spreading propaganda
A Chinese threat actor named Dragonbridge has been conducting tracking campaigns against rare earth mining companies in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Mandiant’s security researchers have stated that Dragonbridge has been using thousand of inauthentic accounts on social media platforms and websites in order to promote Chinese political propaganda. The threat actor recently initiated a social networking campaign on rare earth mining companies such as Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (Australia). Appia Rare Earth & Uranium Corp (Canada), and USA Rare Earth.
According to the security researchers, these three companies are the main target of China. The largest known rare earth mining and processing company is Lynas outside of Chine which has recently signed a contract with the US Department of Defense for the construction of a Texas processing facility. These rare earth metals play a significant role in manufacturing military products from aircraft to missile guidance systems. China has been trying to retain dominance over the rare earth mineral supply chain.
Mandiant researchers said, “While the activity we detail here does not appear to have been particularly effective and received only limited engagement by seemingly real individuals, the campaign’s microtargeting of specific audiences suggests the possibility of using similar means to manipulate public discourse surrounding other U.S> political issues to the PRC’s advantage.”
Sources say the threat actor’s campaign focused on the manipulated environmental factors claiming that the rare earth mining facility in Texas will expose the civilians to radiation.
The inauthentic accounts posted Facebook and Twitter messages saying, “STOP LYNAS! NO to Lynas Exporting and Creating Another Toxic Legacy.” The threat actors conducted several campaigns targeting Appia and USA Rare Earth in June.
Researchers have also claimed that there was evidence of more accounts spreading similar propaganda narratives. The accounts were identified as inauthentic due to their tendency of creating cluster accounts, using photos from online sources, using random numerics, and other data.
Mandiant has further said, “In addition to the accounts’ posting of identical or similar rare earths-related content, we also observed some of the accounts post identical or similar apolitical content, such as inspirational quotes.”
