Post by : Shakul

India and Japan are holding discussions to jointly explore rare earth mineral deposits in the desert state of Rajasthan, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The talks come as Tokyo seeks to diversify its supply chains for critical minerals and move away from heavy dependence on China for rare earths vital to high‑tech manufacturing.

Last month, India’s Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said that three hard rock rare earth deposits totaling around 1.29 million metric tons of rare earth oxides had been identified in Rajasthan and neighboring Gujarat. These minerals are key components in permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, drones, and other advanced technologies.

Under preliminary discussions, Japan is understood to be interested in providing technology and funding to support extraction and processing in exchange for a stable supply of rare earth materials destined for Japanese industries. However, the sources did not specify when Japanese experts might travel to India to begin site assessments.

Currently, India lacks industrial‑scale facilities capable of processing rare earths to high purity levels. Japan’s interest reflects a broader strategy to secure critical mineral supplies globally. Naoki Kobayashi, deputy director at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), told Reuters that Tokyo is examining mining projects around the world to diversify sources but did not confirm details of specific corporate partnerships in Rajasthan.

China has recently restricted exports of several dual‑use items — including rare earth elements — to multiple Japanese firms amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This move has sharpened Tokyo’s focus on securing alternative supply chains.

In addition to rare earths, sources said Japan is exploring collaborations with Indian companies to explore lithium, copper, and cobalt deposits in Africa, where both countries have growing strategic interests in critical minerals essential for clean energy and defense technologies.

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