India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposit to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies

India is intensifying its strategic efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains by exploring rare earth samples from Russia’s massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia. This move marks a significant step in New Delhi's quest to reduce its heavy dependence on China for minerals essential to high-tech industries.

Strategic Pivot Toward the Tomtor Deposit

State-owned miner IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is currently in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft to source mineral samples from the Tomtor deposit in Yakutia. Rosneft acquired this deposit last year, which is recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth sources.

According to reports, these discussions are being managed through official government channels to ensure strategic alignment. The proposed workflow involves processing the mineral samples within Russia before they are shipped to India for detailed analysis. India’s immediate objective is to conduct a rigorous study of the mineral composition at Tomtor to determine the feasibility of long-term commercial engagement.

Reducing Dependency on China and Building Domestic Capacity

The drive to secure alternative sources comes as India faces a dual challenge: rising domestic demand and the geopolitical risk of relying on China. Rare earth elements are indispensable components for electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence systems, and various clean energy technologies.

While India holds the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves—estimated at approximately 7.23 million metric tons—the country currently lacks the large-scale refining capacity required for high-purity separation. To bridge this gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme aimed at boosting domestic rare earth magnet production, with a target operational timeline of 2029–30.

A Multi-Pronged Global Sourcing Strategy

The potential deal with Russia is just one component of India's broader "mineral diplomacy." IREL is actively pursuing a diversified portfolio of international partnerships to safeguard its industrial future.

In addition to the Siberian talks, India is engaged in the following:

By casting a wide net across different geographies and political blocs, India aims to build a resilient supply chain that can support its transition toward a green economy and a self-reliant defence sector.

Key Takeaways