India is exploring rare earth mining pacts with Russia, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and several African countries.
– New Delhi’s search for alternate supplies comes in response to curbs announced by China on rare earths and related technologies.
– In October 2025, Beijing began restricting exports of permanent magnets, batteries, and battery components, as well as processing technologies, after trade tensions with the US intensified.
– “In our country and in foreign countries also, we are going to invest, we are going to explore; we are also collaborating with other companies for rare earth metals. It is in the starting stage,” Manoj Kumar Agarwal, chairman of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL)
– Talks are on with other firms as New Delhi seeks to secure alternative sources of the minerals, he told.
– Domestically, BCCL aims to collaborate with state-run IREL, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, and Hindustan Copper, he added.
– The development signals New Delhi’s push to secure critical minerals vital to the steel, automotive, and clean energy industries.
– Funding will be tapped from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd’s (BCCL) oversubscribed IPO, which raised about $119 million.
– New Delhi’s infrastructure push and the demand for steel are expected to boost long-term growth.
– This has implications for resource-rich African economies seeking new global partners.
– India and Russia have reaffirmed their willingness to intensify trade and investment cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic zone, with a program covering energy and mining.
https://www.rt.com/india/631027-india-eyes-rare-earth-mining