Russia accelerates its push into the rare-earth metals sector as President Vladimir Putin orders a long-term strategy to secure global competitiveness and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
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| Putin’s rare-earth metals initiative aims to boost Russia’s economic resilience and expand its influence in global technology supply chains amid U.S.–China competition. Image: Sputnik/ CH |
MOSCOW, Russia — November 5, 2025:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to craft a comprehensive long-term strategy for mining and producing rare-earth metals, according to a decree published on the Kremlin’s website Tuesday. The directive requires the government to finalize a detailed roadmap for the sector by December, underscoring the Kremlin’s intent to turn these critical materials into a strategic pillar of national power.
Rare-earth metals are indispensable for advanced technologies—from smartphones and electric vehicles to precision-guided weaponry. Putin described them as a “strategic resource” vital for enhancing Russia’s global competitiveness and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum last month, he emphasized the need to expand domestic demand and adopt advanced processing technologies, signaling a shift from reliance on raw exports to value-added production.
According to the Natural Resources Ministry, Russia holds an estimated 658 million tons of rare-earth reserves, including 28.5 million tons across 15 different types. These deposits, among the largest globally, are considered sufficient to meet domestic demand and secure long-term supply.
The move comes amid heightened global interest in rare-earth elements due to rising trade tensions between the United States and China. Beijing, which dominates the global supply chain, has tightened export controls in response to U.S. tariffs—disrupting industries from automotive manufacturing to consumer electronics.
In this context, Russia’s vast reserves are gaining strategic importance. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously expressed interest in cooperating with Moscow on rare-earth projects, and Kremlin aide Kirill Dmitriev has confirmed ongoing discussions about potential bilateral initiatives. Despite strained relations, both nations recognize mutual benefits in diversifying supply chains for critical minerals.
At the same time, Washington has sought access to alternative sources, including Ukraine. In May, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal to jointly extract Ukrainian natural resources—granting the U.S. preferential access. Yet much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth lies in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which voted to join Russia in 2022, adding a new layer of geopolitical complexity to the rare-earth race.
Analysts say the Kremlin’s initiative serves dual purposes: economic diversification and geopolitical leverage. Developing domestic processing capabilities could reduce Russia’s dependence on Western technologies while providing an export advantage in markets disrupted by U.S.–China friction. However, the effort faces obstacles—including sanctions, limited foreign investment, and a shortage of advanced refining infrastructure.
Still, Moscow’s rare-earth ambitions signal a clear strategic shift. By investing in critical minerals at a time when global supply chains are fragmenting, Russia aims not only to strengthen its economy but also to gain influence over one of the most important commodities of the modern technological age.
As competition over rare-earth elements intensifies, Putin’s decree could mark the beginning of a new era in resource geopolitics—one where Russia seeks to become a decisive player in shaping the world’s technological future.