India Eyes Russian Siberian Rare Earth Deposits to Diversify Supply

India is actively exploring new avenues to secure critical mineral supplies by entering talks to source rare earth samples from Russia’s massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia. This strategic move aims to reduce the country's heavy reliance on China while fueling the domestic transition toward green energy and advanced manufacturing.

Strategic Negotiations with Rosneft for Tomtor Samples

In a significant development for India's mineral security, state-owned miner IREL (India Iridium Limited), which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft. The primary objective is to acquire samples from the Tomtor deposit located in Yakutia, Siberia—one of the largest undeveloped rare earth deposits globally.

According to reports, these discussions are being conducted through official government channels and remain strictly confidential. The proposed workflow involves processing the mineral samples within Russia before they are shipped to India for detailed analysis. India intends to conduct a thorough study of the mineral composition of the Tomtor site before committing to any long-term or large-scale commercial engagement.

Reducing Dependence on China and Building Local Capacity

The push for Russian minerals comes at a critical time as India seeks to diversify its supply chains away from China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market. Rare earth elements are indispensable for high-tech sectors, including 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 gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically designed to boost domestic rare earth magnet production. The goal is to have large-scale domestic magnet production operational by 2029–30.

A Multi-Pronged Global Sourcing Strategy

The interest in the Siberian deposit is just one component of India’s broader, multi-directional mineral diplomacy. IREL is currently managing a complex portfolio of international prospects to ensure a steady flow of raw materials.

In addition to the Russian talks, IREL is engaged in parallel discussions with companies in Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, India is evaluating mining opportunities in several other resource-rich nations, including Argentina, Australia, Malawi, and previously Myanmar. By spreading its interests across various geographies and geopolitical blocs, India is positioning itself to build a resilient, self-reliant ecosystem for the critical minerals that will power its future economy.

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