economy
January 17, 2026
India eyes rare earth mining pacts in Russia and Africa
India is looking for new sources while it addresses China’s export curbs on rare-earth minerals
TL;DR
- India is exploring rare earth mining pacts with Russia, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and several African countries.
- These efforts are a response to China's recent export restrictions on rare earths and related technologies.
- Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL) is involved in exploring domestic and international opportunities for rare earth metals.
- BCCL plans to collaborate with state-run entities like IREL, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, and Hindustan Copper domestically.
- The initiative aims to secure critical minerals essential for the steel, automotive, clean energy, and defense industries.
- Funding for these ventures may come from BCCL's oversubscribed IPO, which raised approximately $119 million.
- China currently dominates global rare earth reserves and refining capacity, controlling over 90%.
- India and Russia are also discussing increased trade and investment cooperation, particularly in energy and mining in the Far East and Arctic zone.
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