India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposits to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies

India is intensifying its global search for critical minerals as it seeks to decouple its supply chains from China's dominance. In a strategic move, state-owned miner IREL is reportedly in talks with Russian oil giant Rosneft to source mineral samples from the massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia.

Diversifying Away from China’s Mineral Monopoly

The primary driver behind India's outreach to Russia is the urgent need to diversify its sourcing of rare earth elements (REEs). As these minerals are indispensable for electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defense systems, and clean energy technologies, India is moving to secure its position in the global high-tech economy. Currently, China maintains a stranglehold on these supplies, prompting New Delhi to explore alternative geographies.

The discussions involving IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, are being routed through official government channels. The current plan involves obtaining samples from the Tomtor deposit in Yakutia—one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth sites—which was acquired by Rosneft last year. These samples are expected to undergo processing in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed mineral composition analysis.

Strengthening the Domestic Magnet Manufacturing Ecosystem

India’s push for external sourcing is matched by aggressive domestic policy. The government has already approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically designed to boost the production of rare earth magnets within the country. This is a critical step, as while India holds the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves—estimated at approximately 7.23 million metric tons—it currently lacks the large-scale refining capacity required for high-purity separation and magnet manufacturing.

The strategic goal is to have domestic magnet production operational by 2029–30. To achieve this, IREL is not relying solely on Russia; the state miner is simultaneously conducting parallel discussions with firms in Japan and South Korea while evaluating mining prospects in Argentina, Australia, Malawi, and even Myanmar.

A Multi-Pronged Global Mineral Strategy

India’s approach to mineral security is becoming increasingly multi-polar. By engaging with Russian-linked deposits in Siberia, Japanese technology partners, and African/South American mining prospects, India is building a resilient "mineral hedge."

The Tomtor deposit represents a massive potential opportunity, but India remains cautious. The current phase is strictly limited to studying the mineral composition of the Siberian site before any deeper, long-term commercial engagement is considered. This methodical approach ensures that India’s transition toward a self-reliant green energy and defense sector is built on a foundation of verified and high-quality mineral resources.

Key Takeaways