Japan is in talks with India to jointly explore rare earth deposits in Rajasthan, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Tokyo is seeking to cut its reliance on China for rare earth supplies, which are vital for magnet manufacturing and high-tech industries, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday.
As a result, Japan may offer technology and funding to support extraction efforts. It also plans to send a team of experts to Rajasthan for assessment, the report added.
Last month, India's Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said that three hard rock deposits holding 1.29 million metric tons of rare earth oxides were identified in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
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According to the report, after signing a preliminary agreement on critical minerals last year, Japan has shown interest in rare earth deposits in Rajasthan. Sources told the agency that Tokyo plans to send experts to assess the site. The sources, who are involved in the discussions, asked not to be named because the talks are not public. Additionally, no timeline was provided for the anticipated visit of the expert team.
With this collaboration in Rajasthan, Japan aims to provide technology and funding for rare earth extraction in exchange for a steady supply. The sources also noted that India currently lacks the techniques needed for hard rock extraction. India's Ministry of Mines and the Japanese embassy did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Amid efforts to cut reliance on China, Japan is reviewing mining projects globally to diversify its mineral supplies, including rare earths. Similarly, India also aims to reduce reliance on Chinese imports by building industrial-scale facilities, with Japan possibly providing the needed extraction technology.
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Rare earths are vital for permanent magnets used in EV motors, wind turbines, fighter jets and drones. Last week, China blocked dual-use exports to 20 Japanese firms, escalating tensions with Tokyo over military-related materials.
China's move blocks Japanese companies from seven rare earths and other controlled critical minerals on its dual-use list. Besides rare earths, Japan is also looking to partner with Indian firms to explore lithium, copper, and cobalt in Africa, the report added.
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