India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposit to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies

India is aggressively moving to diversify its critical mineral supply chains by exploring rare earth samples from the massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia. This strategic move, aimed at reducing heavy reliance on China, signals a significant shift in India's approach to securing the raw materials essential for its high-tech manufacturing future.

Strategic Negotiations with Rosneft for Tomtor Samples

State-owned miner IREL, operating under the Department of Atomic Energy, is currently in high-level discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft regarding the Tomtor deposit in Yakutia. These talks, which are being routed through formal government channels, focus on sourcing mineral samples for scientific evaluation.

The Tomtor deposit is recognized as one of the world's largest undeveloped rare earth sites. Under the proposed arrangement, the samples would undergo initial processing in Russia before being shipped to India. India intends to conduct a rigorous study of the mineral composition to determine the feasibility of deeper commercial engagement, though the discussions remain strictly confidential for now.

Reducing Dependence on China and Strengthening Domestic Capacity

The drive for Russian minerals comes at a time when India is seeking to insulate its industries from geopolitical volatility, particularly regarding China's dominance in the rare earth market. Rare earth elements are indispensable components for electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence systems, and clean energy technologies.

While India possesses the world's third-largest rare earth reserves—estimated at approximately 7.23 million metric tons—the nation currently faces a gap in large-scale refining and magnet production. To bridge this, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically designed to boost domestic rare earth magnet production. However, the country still lacks the large-scale refining capacity required for high-purity separation.

A Multi-Pronged Global Sourcing Strategy

India is not relying on a single source; instead, it is pursuing a diversified "China Plus One" strategy for critical minerals. IREL is simultaneously managing several international fronts:

This multifaceted approach is part of a larger roadmap to establish domestic magnet production by the 2029–30 period, ensuring that India's transition to green energy and advanced manufacturing is supported by a stable and secure supply chain.

Key Takeaways