Japan, India in Talks To Explore Rare Earth Deposits, actionable frameworks expected!

Japan is negotiating with India to jointly explore rare earth deposits in Rajasthan's desert region, sources familiar with the discussions said on March 3. Tokyo aims to cut reliance on China for magnet-making materials, offering extraction technology and funding for stable supplies in exchange. India's Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy recently disclosed three hard rock deposits holding 1.29 million metric tons of rare earth oxides in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Following a 2025 critical minerals pact, Japan plans to send experts, though timing is unclear. India's Ministry of Mines and Japanese embassy did not comment. Hard rock extraction needs advanced techniques India lacks. Japan is also eyeing India partnerships for lithium, copper, cobalt in Africa.