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.