Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy for the mining and production of rare-earth metals, according to a decree published on the Kremlin’s website on Tuesday, reads an RT report.
The new mandate requires the government to finalize a detailed “roadmap” for the sector by December. Rare-earth metals are essential in the production of modern technologies, from smartphones to advanced weaponry.
Putin emphasized that rare-earth metals are a strategic resource vital to enhancing Russia’s global competitiveness and supporting sustainable economic growth. At the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) last month, he stressed the need to increase domestic demand and implement advanced processing technologies.
Russia is home to an estimated 658 million tons of rare-earth metals, including 28.5 million tons of 15 different types, according to the Natural Resources Ministry. These reserves are considered sufficient to meet Russia’s current economic needs and ensure long-term supply.
As global interest in rare-earth minerals intensifies—largely due to rising trade tensions between the US and China—Russia’s vast reserves are attracting attention. China, the world’s leading producer, has restricted exports in response to US tariffs, causing supply chain disruptions in industries like automotive manufacturing and technology.
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in Russia’s abundant rare-earth resources, with potential for joint projects. Putin has shown openness to cooperating with foreign partners, including the US, on rare-earth initiatives. Presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev later confirmed that discussions on bilateral cooperation in the sector are ongoing.
The White House, seeking reliable sources of rare-earth minerals, has also turned its attention to Ukraine's resources. In May, the US and Ukraine signed an agreement for joint extraction of Ukrainian natural resources, with Washington gaining preferential access. However, much of Ukraine's mineral wealth is located in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which voted to join Russia in 2022.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
