India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposits to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supply
India is actively exploring new avenues to secure its rare earth element (REE) supply chain by entering discussions to source samples from Russia’s massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia. This strategic move aims to reduce heavy reliance on China and fortify the domestic supply of minerals essential for high-tech industries.
Strategic Shift Toward Russian Mineral Deposits
In a significant move to diversify its mineral sourcing, India’s state-owned miner, IREL (Indian Rare Earths Limited), is in talks with the Russian oil major Rosneft regarding the Tomtor deposit in Yakutia. The Tomtor site is recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits.
According to reports, these discussions are being facilitated through official government channels. The proposed plan involves sourcing mineral samples from Siberia, which will undergo processing within Russia before being shipped to India for detailed analysis. India intends to conduct an exhaustive study of the mineral composition at Tomtor before committing to any large-scale commercial engagement.
Strengthening the Domestic High-Tech Ecosystem
The drive for rare earth elements is fueled by the urgent need for critical inputs in electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence 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 nation currently lacks the large-scale refining capacity required for high-purity separation.
To bridge this technological gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically aimed at boosting domestic rare earth magnet production. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust manufacturing ecosystem, with domestic magnet production targeted for the 2029–30 period.
A Global Pursuit for Mineral Security
The engagement with Russia is part of a much broader, multi-pronged strategy led by IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy. As geopolitical tensions with China persist, India is aggressively evaluating mining prospects across several continents to insulate its economy from supply chain disruptions.
IREL is currently maintaining parallel discussions with firms in Japan and South Korea to leverage international expertise. Furthermore, India is evaluating mining opportunities in Argentina, Australia, and Malawi, having previously explored sourcing samples from Myanmar. This global outreach underscores India's intent to build a resilient, multi-source supply chain for the minerals that will power its green energy transition.
Key Takeaways
- Diversification Strategy: India is seeking to reduce dependency on China by exploring the massive, undeveloped Tomtor rare earth deposit in Siberia through talks with Rosneft.
- Infrastructure Investment: The government has committed ₹73 billion to boost domestic rare earth magnet production, aiming for large-scale manufacturing by 2029–30.
- Global Mining Outreach: Beyond Russia, IREL is evaluating mining prospects in Argentina, Australia, and Malawi, while collaborating with partners in Japan and South Korea.