India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposit to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies

India is intensifying its strategic move to diversify critical mineral supply chains by exploring rare earth samples from Russia’s massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia. This high-stakes pursuit aims to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on China while securing the essential elements required for future-ready technologies.

Strategic Engagement with Russia’s Tomtor Deposit

In a significant diplomatic and commercial move, India's state-owned miner, IREL (under the Department of Atomic Energy), is reportedly in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft. The talks center on sourcing mineral samples from the Tomtor deposit located in Yakutia, Siberia—a site widely considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits.

According to reports, these discussions are being routed through official government channels to maintain confidentiality. The planned process involves the samples being processed within Russia before being shipped to India for intensive study. India intends to first analyze the specific mineral composition of the Tomtor site before committing to any long-term commercial engagement or large-scale mining agreements.

Strengthening the Domestic Magnet Manufacturing Ecosystem

The push for rare earth elements (REEs) is driven by the critical role these minerals play in the production 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 faces a gap in large-scale refining capacity for high-purity separation.

To bridge this gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme dedicated to boosting domestic rare earth magnet production. The ultimate goal is to establish a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem, with domestic magnet production targeted for the 2029–30 period.

A Diversified Global Sourcing Strategy

Securing rare earths is a cornerstone of India’s mineral diplomacy as it seeks to mitigate risks associated with strained ties with China. IREL is currently managing a multi-pronged global sourcing strategy to ensure a steady inflow of critical materials.

Beyond the potential Siberian connection, IREL is engaged in parallel discussions with firms in Japan and South Korea. The state miner is also actively evaluating mining prospects in a diverse range of geographies, including Argentina, Australia, Malawi, and previously Myanmar. This diversified approach is designed to build a resilient supply chain that can support India's rapidly growing industrial and green energy sectors.

Key Takeaways