By Admin 
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his officials to prepare a policy by December 1, 2025, by which Russia can become self-sufficient in the production of rare earth metals. This plan is an attempt to give a new direction to Russia’s economy as well as to include it among the technological powers of the world.
Rare earth metals are used in electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, smartphones and defense equipment. The country which will control these resources will be at the forefront in the technological and industrial race of the future. According to the report of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there are approximately 110 million tons of rare earth metals in the world. In this, China is at the forefront, while Russia is at 5th place with reserves of about 38 lakh tonnes. Russia has large reserves of rare earth metals, but Russia’s production capacity is still very low, accounting for only 0.6 percent of total global production.
China’s dominance and America’s challenge
China is the largest producer of these metals and controls about 70 percent of the world’s production. In the year 2025, China had imposed a temporary ban on exports against America, which created a stir in American industries. Later, after the talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, this ban was temporarily lifted. Now America is looking for new partners so that China’s hold on its technical supplies can be reduced.
Russia’s new strategy
Russia now has two options, either to increase exports by processing minerals in collaboration with China or to start new mining projects by attracting investment from America and European countries. Experts believe that this step can strengthen Russia at both economic and strategic levels.
There are resources but also difficulties
Russia has reserves of about 28.5 million tonnes of 15 rare earth metals, but experts say their excavation and processing is extremely expensive. Many mineral fields are in difficult geographical areas and investment is limited due to Western sanctions. For this reason, many Russian projects have not been fully started yet.
America and Russia a new agreement?
Donald Trump recently indicated that the US could increase trade cooperation with Russia if Russia gives American companies access to mineral sites located in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. On this, Putin said that Russia is ready for foreign partnership in the field of rare earth metals.
Russia aims for technological freedom
Russia no longer wants to depend on oil and gas. It wants to be recognized as a global force in rare earth metals in the coming years. If its new policy is successful, Russia can compete with countries like America and China in the coming decade.
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