India and Japan Discuss Rare Earth Projects
Technology

India and Japan Discuss Rare Earth Projects

Japan is in talks with India to jointly explore rare earth deposits in Rajasthan to reduce dependence on China. Indian authorities have identified three hard rock deposits in Rajasthan and Gujarat containing an estimated 1.29 million metric tonnes of rare earth oxides (mn t). The discovery, announced by the Union Mines Minister last month, is expected to bolster India’s mineral security. Hard rock deposits require specialised extraction techniques that India does not yet possess at scale.

Under the proposed cooperation Japan would send experts to study the Rajasthan sites and provide advanced extraction technology and financial support in return for a stable supply of rare earths. Officials said the talks build on a preliminary critical minerals pact signed last year and remain at an early stage with no corporate partnerships or technology agreements finalised. The cooperation aims to develop reserves while building domestic processing capabilities.

Rare earth elements are crucial for permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, fighter jets and drones and therefore matter for industrial and defence planning. Beyond rare earths Japan is exploring collaboration with Indian companies to search for lithium, copper and cobalt in Africa to diversify supply chains. Recent restrictions by China on exports of certain dual use items to 20 Japanese entities highlighted vulnerabilities in current sourcing and reinforced incentives to seek alternatives.

Officials said development of the newly found deposits will require sustained investment, technology transfer and regulatory clearances before commercial production can begin. Analysts noted that Japanese technological expertise could assist in overcoming geological and processing challenges and in establishing domestic capabilities. Both governments view secure access to critical minerals as important for industrial expansion and strategic autonomy as geopolitical tensions grow in the Indo Pacific.

Japan is in talks with India to jointly explore rare earth deposits in Rajasthan to reduce dependence on China. Indian authorities have identified three hard rock deposits in Rajasthan and Gujarat containing an estimated 1.29 million metric tonnes of rare earth oxides (mn t). The discovery, announced by the Union Mines Minister last month, is expected to bolster India’s mineral security. Hard rock deposits require specialised extraction techniques that India does not yet possess at scale. Under the proposed cooperation Japan would send experts to study the Rajasthan sites and provide advanced extraction technology and financial support in return for a stable supply of rare earths. Officials said the talks build on a preliminary critical minerals pact signed last year and remain at an early stage with no corporate partnerships or technology agreements finalised. The cooperation aims to develop reserves while building domestic processing capabilities. Rare earth elements are crucial for permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, fighter jets and drones and therefore matter for industrial and defence planning. Beyond rare earths Japan is exploring collaboration with Indian companies to search for lithium, copper and cobalt in Africa to diversify supply chains. Recent restrictions by China on exports of certain dual use items to 20 Japanese entities highlighted vulnerabilities in current sourcing and reinforced incentives to seek alternatives. Officials said development of the newly found deposits will require sustained investment, technology transfer and regulatory clearances before commercial production can begin. Analysts noted that Japanese technological expertise could assist in overcoming geological and processing challenges and in establishing domestic capabilities. Both governments view secure access to critical minerals as important for industrial expansion and strategic autonomy as geopolitical tensions grow in the Indo Pacific.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Equipment

BEML Wins GeM Award for Highest MSE Order Value

BEML Limited has received the “Maximum Order Value to MSEs” award at the 10th Foundation Day celebrations of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal presented the award, which was received on behalf of BEML by Anil Jerath, Director (Finance).The recognition acknowledges BEML's efforts to strengthen procurement from Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through the GeM platform.BEML said its procurement initiatives are aimed at encouraging greater participation of MSEs in public procurement and supporting the gr..

Next Story
Equipment

BKT to Showcase Advanced Off-Highway Tyres at Bauma ConExpo

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) will showcase its latest off-highway tyre solutions at Bauma ConExpo India 2026, scheduled from September 15-18 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.The company will display a range of application-specific tyres for construction, mining and industrial operations at Hall 12, Booth No. 1. Key products will include the EARTHMAX SR 30 for loaders and articulated dump trucks and the AIROMAX AM 27 for mobile cranes.BKT will also showcase MINE FORCE, EARTHMAX EXPERTO GD1, XL GRIP NEO, DYNA HAUL, CONSTEER and EARTHMAX SR423. The tyres are designed to operate under he..

Next Story
Products

Koemmerling opens Navi Mumbai experience centre

Koemmerling, a brand of the profine Group, has expanded its presence in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the opening of a new experience centre in Navi Mumbai and launched its Allure S46 minimal sliding door system for the Indian market.Located in CBD Belapur, the facility was inaugurated by Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group, along with Farid Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, profine India, and Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India.The company said the new centre will showcase its portfolio of uPVC and aluminium window and door systems to architects, developers and homeowners.The ina..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement