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 comes as New Delhi seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on China for the minerals essential to high-tech industries.

Strategic Move to the Tomtor Deposit

India's state-owned miner, IREL (India's Rare Earths Limited), which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is currently in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft. The focus of these talks is to source mineral samples from the Tomtor deposit located in Yakutia, Siberia. Rosneft acquired the rights to this site last year, and it is recognized as one of the world's largest undeveloped rare earth deposits.

The current phase of engagement is cautious and highly technical. According to reports, the samples will undergo initial processing in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed analysis. India’s primary objective is to study the specific mineral composition of the Tomtor deposit to determine its viability for long-term supply before committing to deeper commercial engagements. These discussions are being routed through official government channels and remain confidential.

Reducing Dependency on China

The push for Russian minerals is a direct response to the geopolitical necessity of diversifying supply chains away from China. Rare earth elements are indispensable components in the manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defense systems, and 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. However, because large-scale production is not expected until the 2029–30 period, securing reliable external sources in the interim is a top priority for national security and industrial growth.

A Global Search for Mineral Security

The interest in Siberia is just one part of a broader, multi-pronged global strategy being executed by IREL. India has previously explored sourcing samples from Myanmar and is currently conducting parallel discussions with firms in Japan and South Korea.

Furthermore, India is evaluating various mining prospects across several continents to ensure a steady flow of raw materials. Key nations under consideration include Australia, Argentina, and Malawi. This aggressive pursuit of international partnerships highlights India's determination to build a self-reliant ecosystem for magnet production and high-tech manufacturing.

Key Takeaways