Mining the Future: The India-Japan Critical Mineral Pact

Japan is in discussions with India to jointly explore rare earth deposits in Rajasthan, as Tokyo looks to diversify its supply of critical minerals and reduce dependence on China for materials essential to magnet manufacturing.

The talks build on a preliminary agreement on critical minerals signed between the two nations last year. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy recently said that three hard rock rare earth deposits, containing an estimated 1.29 million tonnes of rare earth oxides, have been identified across Rajasthan and Gujarat. Sources indicate that Japan has expressed particular interest in the Rajasthan reserves and may dispatch technical experts to evaluate the sites, although a formal timeline has not yet been announced.

Tokyo is expected to provide advanced extraction technologies and potential financial backing in exchange for assured supplies, given that hard rock rare earth mining requires specialised processing capabilities. Rare earth elements are critical inputs for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets, and drones—industries central to India’s long-term economic and strategic ambitions.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is currently reviewing mining opportunities worldwide as part of a broader strategy to secure diversified and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.