India Eyes Russian Siberian Rare Earth Deposits to Diversify Supply

India is actively exploring ways to secure its critical mineral supply chain 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 dependence on China for essential minerals required for high-tech manufacturing.

Strategic Move via IREL and Rosneft

State-owned miner IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is leading India’s international push for rare earth minerals. According to reports, IREL is currently in discussions with the Russian oil major Rosneft regarding samples from the Tomtor deposit in Yakutia. The Tomtor site is recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits, making it a high-value target for resource-hungry economies.

The discussions are being routed through official government channels and remain confidential. The proposed process involves Russia processing the mineral samples before they are shipped to India for detailed analysis. India’s immediate goal is to study the specific mineral composition of the Tomtor deposit to determine the feasibility of deeper commercial engagement in the future.

Reducing Dependency on China

The push for Russian minerals is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to diversify supply chains away from China. Rare earth elements are indispensable components in the production of electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence systems, and various clean energy technologies.

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. To bridge this gap, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme specifically designed to bolster domestic rare earth magnet production.

A Global Search for Mineral Security

India's search for critical minerals is not limited to Russia. IREL is simultaneously engaging in parallel discussions with firms in Japan and South Korea to strengthen technological and supply ties. Furthermore, the state miner is evaluating mining prospects across a diverse geographical range, including Argentina, Australia, Malawi, and previously exploring options in Myanmar.

วัตถุประสงค์สูงสุดคือการสร้างระบบนิเวศภายในประเทศที่แข็งแกร่งซึ่งสามารถผลิตแม่เหล็กขนาดใหญ่ได้ โดยตั้งเป้าไว้ในช่วงปี 2029–30 ด้วยการจัดหาแหล่งวัตถุดิบที่หลากหลาย อินเดียมีเป้าหมายที่จะปกป้องภาคส่วนพลังงานสะอาดและภาคการป้องกันประเทศที่กำลังเติบโตจากการหยุดชะงักของห่วงโซ่อุปทานโลกและความผันผวนทางภูมิรัฐศาสตร์

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