Putin instructs government to craft plan for rare-earth metals
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to craft a long-term plan for mining and producing rare-earth minerals, according to a government statement released on Tuesday.
The directive requires the cabinet to approve a comprehensive “roadmap” for the sector by December. These minerals are essential for a wide range of technologies, from smartphones to advanced weapons systems.
Putin has characterized rare-earths as a strategic asset crucial for boosting Russia’s international competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth. Speaking at a recent economic forum, he stressed the importance of stimulating domestic demand and implementing cutting-edge processing techniques.
Russia is estimated to hold 658 million tons of rare metals, including 28.5 million tons spanning 15 types of rare-earth elements, according to reports from the country’s natural resources authorities. Officials indicate that these reserves are sufficient to support both current industrial needs and long-term supply security.
Global interest in rare-earth minerals has grown amid rising trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. As the world’s largest producer, China has restricted exports in response to US tariffs, causing supply disruptions for high-tech sectors such as automotive manufacturing.
US President Donald Trump, whose administration has focused on reviving domestic manufacturing, has expressed interest in Russia’s “huge reserves” of rare-earths. Putin has indicated willingness to cooperate with foreign partners, including the US. Presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev later confirmed that discussions on joint Russia-US projects are ongoing, highlighting their significance for bilateral collaboration.
The United States has been seeking reliable sources of these critical minerals. In May, following months of negotiations, Washington and Kiev reached an agreement on joint extraction of Ukrainian natural resources. Trump framed the deal as a way to recover the roughly $350 billion he claims the US has invested in supporting Kiev. The agreement provides the US with preferential access to the resources, though it does not include the security guarantees sought by Ukraine’s leadership. Much of the region’s mineral wealth, however, lies in areas that voted to join Russia in 2022, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
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