India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposit to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies
India is intensifying its global pursuit to secure critical mineral supply chains, moving closer to a strategic partnership with Russia for rare earth elements. In a significant move to diversify away from China's dominance, state miner IREL is reportedly in discussions with Rosneft to source mineral samples from the massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia.
Strategic Move to Diversify from China
As global tensions rise and supply chain vulnerabilities become apparent, India is aggressively seeking alternatives to Chinese-controlled rare earth markets. The Tomtor deposit in Yakutia is recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits, making it a high-value target for India’s resource security.
The discussions are currently being facilitated through government channels to ensure strategic alignment. According to reports, the process will involve obtaining mineral samples from the Siberian site, which will undergo initial processing in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed scientific analysis. India intends to conduct a rigorous study of the mineral composition at Tomtor before committing to any long-term commercial or extraction agreements.
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities
This international outreach is a direct response to India's growing domestic demand for high-tech manufacturing. Rare earth elements are indispensable components in the production of electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence systems, and clean energy technologies.
To support this transition, the Indian government has already sanctioned a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme aimed at boosting domestic rare earth magnet production. While India possesses the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves—estimated at approximately 7.23 million metric tons—it currently faces a critical gap in large-scale refining capacity for high-purity separation. The goal is to bridge this gap and achieve large-scale domestic magnet production by the 2029–30 period.
A Multi-Pronged Global Sourcing Strategy
The engagement with Russia is just one facet of India’s broader "mineral diplomacy." IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is spearheading a multi-country approach to secure a steady flow of raw materials.
Beyond the Siberian talks, India is actively evaluating mining prospects in Australia, Argentina, and Malawi. The state miner is also engaged in parallel discussions with companies in Japan and South Korea to leverage technological expertise. This follows previous exploratory efforts in Myanmar, highlighting India's determined stance to build a resilient, multi-nodal supply chain that mitigates the risk of geopolitical disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Sourcing: India, through IREL, is negotiating with Russia's Rosneft to study samples from the massive Tomtor rare earth deposit in Siberia.
- Economic Investment: The Indian government has committed ₹73 billion to boost domestic magnet production, targeting commercial scale by 2029–30.
- Global Diversification: India is pursuing a multi-country strategy, evaluating mining prospects in Australia, Argentina, Malawi, and engaging with partners in Japan and South Korea.