India Eyes Russian Siberian Rare Earth Deposit to Diversify Supply

India is actively exploring ways to secure its critical mineral supply chain by engaging with a massive Siberian rare earth deposit. Through state miner IREL, India is in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft to source mineral samples from the significant Tomtor deposit in Yakutia.

Strategic Move to De-risk from China

As global tensions rise and supply chains remain heavily concentrated in China, India is intensifying its efforts to diversify the sourcing of rare earth elements (REEs). The Tomtor deposit, located in Siberia, represents one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth reserves. By initiating talks to study the mineral composition of this site, India aims to reduce its strategic vulnerability to Chinese export controls.

The discussions are currently being routed through official government channels to maintain confidentiality. According to reports, the process will involve sourcing samples that are first processed in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed scientific analysis. This preliminary study is a critical prerequisite before India considers any long-term commercial or mining engagements in the region.

Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities

The push for Siberian minerals aligns with India's broader industrial ambitions. 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 production.

To bridge this gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically designed to boost domestic rare earth magnet production. These magnets are indispensable components for the future of the global economy, serving as key inputs for:

India has set a target to begin domestic magnet production by the 2029–30 period, making the acquisition of high-quality mineral samples essential for refining its technical processes.

A Multi-Front Global Sourcing Strategy

The engagement with Russia via Rosneft is just one piece of India's complex "China Plus One" mineral strategy. IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is managing a diverse portfolio of international interests to ensure resource security.

India's outreach is global in scope, with parallel discussions involving firms in Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, IREL is actively evaluating mining prospects in several other key geographies, including Argentina, Australia, and Malawi. This follows previous attempts to explore sourcing options from Myanmar. By building a multifaceted network of suppliers, India is positioning itself to become a self-reliant hub for high-tech manufacturing and green energy.

Key Takeaways