China's proposed export restrictions on rare earth minerals could put $6.5 trillion worth of global downstream production at risk if fully implemented. This is according to the International Energy Agency's latest global critical minerals outlook.

IEA warns: China's export controls put $6.5 trillion at risk | World Business Watch  

For decades, oil has shaped global geopolitics, forcing nations to secure crude supplies, as energy has always meant economic power, military strength and diplomatic leverage. However, today, critical minerals have outpaced oil. Instead of competing for oil reserves in West Asia, countries are now racing to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements—minerals essential for electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, missiles and advanced semiconductors. In terms of India and Japan, the critical minerals have become a new race other than oil as both the nation has signed an MoU on critical minerals, batteries and AI. Critical minerals act as the foundational building blocks of modern technology, clean energy transitions, and national defence.<h3>Why do these minerals matter?</h3>Silicon, tellurium, and indium are essential for the photovoltaic cells in solar panels, while rare earth elements (like neodymium) are used to create the powerful permanent magnets inside wind turbines. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are the backbone of lithium-ion batteries powering EVs and grid storage systems. Similarly, rare earths, gallium, and germanium are mandatory for manufacturing semiconductors, microchips, LEDs, and smartphones. Whereas, minerals like titanium, beryllium, and tantalum are heavily relied upon to construct fighter jets, submarines, satellites, and precision weaponry. In addition, &nbsp;Copper and aluminium are vital for building and expanding electricity networks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-blue-waters-to-desert-sands-all-about-india-japan-military-ties-and-defence-agreements-1782977531774">From blue waters to desert sands: All about India-Japan military ties and defence agreements</a><h3>Japan-India critical mineral security partnership</h3>The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. Bolstered by frameworks like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and bilateral pacts, the collaboration secures the production pipelines for electric vehicles, defence hardware, and semiconductors. India's wider reserves of lithium, cobalt, and copper merge with Japan’s advanced processing tech and financial capital, will help both the nation accomplishing to meet their need while making components for essential technological items. This strategic synergy ensures a stable, diversified supply of essential minerals, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities and guaranteeing technological sovereignty for both democracies against geopolitical coercion. Interestingly, India and Japan offer complementary advantages in the critical minerals sector. India has substantial reserves of several critical minerals and continues to discover new deposits, but it still lacks adequate large-scale refining and processing capacity. Japan, by contrast, possesses advanced expertise in metallurgy, battery technology and high-end material processing, while having very limited domestic mineral resources. This creates a strong basis for cooperation between the two countries. Under such a partnership, India can provide the mineral resources, while Japan can contribute technology, investment and manufacturing know-how to transform them into higher-value products. Rather than simply exporting raw ore, India aims to expand domestic refining and processing capabilities, and Japanese investment could play a significant role in accelerating that shift up the value chain. Hence, the recent deal between India and Japan will pave the way to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant single-source suppliers. Japan's advanced processing technology combined with capital and India's substantial raw reserves as well as manufacturing capacity will increasingly formalise wider Indo-Pacific and Quad security frameworks countering China's supply chain dominance.&nbsp;

The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. 

For decades, oil has shaped global geopolitics, forcing nations to secure crude supplies, as energy has always meant economic power, military strength and diplomatic leverage. However, today, critical minerals have outpaced oil. Instead of competing for oil reserves in West Asia, countries are now racing to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements—minerals essential for electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, missiles and advanced semiconductors. In terms of India and Japan, the critical minerals have become a new race other than oil as both the nation has signed an MoU on critical minerals, batteries and AI. Critical minerals act as the foundational building blocks of modern technology, clean energy transitions, and national defence. Why do these minerals matter? Silicon, tellurium, and indium are essential for the photovoltaic cells in solar panels, while rare earth elements (like neodymium) are used to create the powerful permanent magnets inside wind turbines. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are the backbone of lithium-ion batteries powering EVs and grid storage systems. Similarly, rare earths, gallium, and germanium are mandatory for manufacturing semiconductors, microchips, LEDs, and smartphones. Whereas, minerals like titanium, beryllium, and tantalum are heavily relied upon to construct fighter jets, submarines, satellites, and precision weaponry. In addition, Copper and aluminium are vital for building and expanding electricity networks. Also read: From blue waters to desert sands: All about India-Japan military ties and defence agreements Japan-India critical mineral security partnership The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. Bolstered by frameworks like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and bilateral pacts, the collaboration secures the production pipelines for electric vehicles, defence hardware, and semiconductors. India's wider reserves of lithium, cobalt, and copper merge with Japan’s advanced processing tech and financial capital, will help both the nation accomplishing to meet their need while making components for essential technological items. This strategic synergy ensures a stable, diversified supply of essential minerals, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities and guaranteeing technological sovereignty for both democracies against geopolitical coercion. Interestingly, India and Japan offer complementary advantages in the critical minerals sector. India has substantial reserves of several critical minerals and continues to discover new deposits, but it still lacks adequate large-scale refining and processing capacity. Japan, by contrast, possesses advanced expertise in metallurgy, battery technology and high-end material processing, while having very limited domestic mineral resources. This creates a strong basis for cooperation between the two countries. Under such a partnership, India can provide the mineral resources, while Japan can contribute technology, investment and manufacturing know-how to transform them into higher-value products. Rather than simply exporting raw ore, India aims to expand domestic refining and processing capabilities, and Japanese investment could play a significant role in accelerating that shift up the value chain. Hence, the recent deal between India and Japan will pave the way to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant single-source suppliers. Japan's advanced processing technology combined with capital and India's substantial raw reserves as well as manufacturing capacity will increasingly formalise wider Indo-Pacific and Quad security frameworks countering China's supply chain dominance.

The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements.&nbsp;

India-Japan critical minerals pact: How partnership aims to de-risk supply chains of both nations

Australia and the European Union signed a free trade agreement on Tuesday after eight years of negotiations, removing tariffs on almost all goods and potentially easing EU access to Australian critical minerals.

However, some Australian agricultural exports, including beef and ‌sheep meat, will face quotas. Australian farmers criticised the pact for offering what they called "subpar" access to the bloc, while French farmers argued the ‌quotas were too generous.

Australia-EU Trade Deal: EU Gets Australia's Access To Critical Minerals

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday that Washington and New Delhi are close to finalising a critical minerals agreement, and a major announcement is likely in the coming months. The agreement would help secure supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies, Gor said.&nbsp;“I am very pleased to say that we are moving very close to finalising critical minerals agreement to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement,” said Gor while speaking at the India Today Conclave.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-nobody-will-hire-them-sc-turns-down-plea-on-menstrual-leaves-says-move-will-hamper-career-of-women-1773398413222">‘Nobody will hire them’: SC turns down plea on menstrual leaves, says move will hamper career of women</a>&nbsp;“One of the most important areas of cooperation between our countries is critical minerals. Reliable and diversified supply chains for critical minerals are indispensable to both economic growth and national security,” he added.&nbsp;Pointing to recent breakthroughs like the interim trade agreement, he said the US-India relationship has the potential to reach “historic heights”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-not-laying-mines-allowed-ships-from-some-countries-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz-deputy-fm-1773341159965">‘Iran not laying mines, allowed ships from some countries to cross Strait of Hormuz’: Deputy FM</a>&nbsp;“We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdowns, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership,” he added.“The relationship has the potential to reach historic heights and deliver results on a scale we have never seen before,” the US envoy said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-tanker-with-indian-captain-went-dark-to-cross-high-risk-strait-of-hormuz-reach-mumbai-1773315721972">Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai</a>&nbsp;Gor pointed out the recent breakthroughs between India and the US as indicators of improving ties. “First, a breakthrough in trade. Second, a breakthrough in trust and technology and third, a breakthrough in strategic coordination. Each reflects where the US-India partnership is headed.”&nbsp;Referring to the India-US interim trade deal, Gor said, “The scale of our economy and the talent of our people and the entrepreneurial energy in both societies make the possibilities very clear. What was needed was the momentum and political will to translate opportunity into direct results. Today, we are beginning to unlock the potential.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-speaks-to-pezeshkian-conveys-concerns-over-conflict-escalation-loss-of-lives-and-safety-of-indians-1773338727189">PM Modi speaks to Iran’s President Pezeshkian, conveys concerns over conflict escalation, loss of lives and safety of Indians</a>&nbsp;This partnership is not just about tariffs and market access, it is also about securing the resources and supply chains that will define the global economy of the future, he added.&nbsp;On February 7, India and the US announced that they had reached a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor pointed out the recent breakthroughs like the interim trade agreement and said they show that the US-India relationship has the potential to reach “historic heights”. He added that the US-India ties can deliver results on a scale never seen before.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday that Washington and New Delhi are close to finalising a critical minerals agreement, and a major announcement is likely in the coming months. The agreement would help secure supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies, Gor said. “I am very pleased to say that we are moving very close to finalising critical minerals agreement to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement,” said Gor while speaking at the India Today Conclave. Also Read: ‘Nobody will hire them’: SC turns down plea on menstrual leaves, says move will hamper career of women “One of the most important areas of cooperation between our countries is critical minerals. Reliable and diversified supply chains for critical minerals are indispensable to both economic growth and national security,” he added. Pointing to recent breakthroughs like the interim trade agreement, he said the US-India relationship has the potential to reach “historic heights”. Also Read: ‘Iran not laying mines, allowed ships from some countries to cross Strait of Hormuz’: Deputy FM “We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdowns, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership,” he added. “The relationship has the potential to reach historic heights and deliver results on a scale we have never seen before,” the US envoy said. Also Read: Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai Gor pointed out the recent breakthroughs between India and the US as indicators of improving ties. “First, a breakthrough in trade. Second, a breakthrough in trust and technology and third, a breakthrough in strategic coordination. Each reflects where the US-India partnership is headed.” Referring to the India-US interim trade deal, Gor said, “The scale of our economy and the talent of our people and the entrepreneurial energy in both societies make the possibilities very clear. What was needed was the momentum and political will to translate opportunity into direct results. Today, we are beginning to unlock the potential.” Also Read: PM Modi speaks to Iran’s President Pezeshkian, conveys concerns over conflict escalation, loss of lives and safety of Indians This partnership is not just about tariffs and market access, it is also about securing the resources and supply chains that will define the global economy of the future, he added. On February 7, India and the US announced that they had reached a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor pointed out the recent breakthroughs like the interim trade agreement and said they show that the US-India relationship has the potential to reach “historic heights”. He added that the US-India ties can deliver results on a scale never seen before.

‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor

Critical minerals are essential to clean energy, electronics, defence, and heavy industries. Ever since Trump came into power, the discussion related to it has increased after he made access to these minerals a priority. Let's try to understand why these minerals are currently in demand.

What are 'critical minerals' & why every country is racing for them

The United States, the European Union, and Japan are stepping up coordination to secure critical minerals supply chains, signaling a major shift in global trade and industrial policy. Meeting in Washington, officials announced action plans and new partnerships aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in minerals essential for advanced manufacturing, defence and clean energy.


US, EU, Japan Agree on Action Plans for Critical Minerals 

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a critical mineral reserve under “Project Vault,” aimed at protecting American businesses and workers from supply shortages and strengthening national economic security.

US President Trump Announces Creation of Critical Mineral Reserve

A new US-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, which aims to create a secure supply chain in areas of critical minerals, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, does not include India. The development comes at a time when the teams from Washington are engaged in high-level trade talks in New Delhi with Indian counterparts, as they have already completed five rounds of technical negotiations.&nbsp; The alliance seeks to strengthen supply security for rare minerals and other resources vital for advanced AI technologies, reducing reliance on China, which currently controls nearly 70% of global rare earth mining.&nbsp;The Trump administration's initiative features the United States and eight partner countries, which include Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel as founding members.<h2>What is Pax Sillica initiative?</h2>As the name suggests, Pax comes from Latin pax, meaning peace and stability, and silica, the base compound refined into silicon for computer chips.&nbsp;Pax Silica is a new kind of international grouping and partnership – one that aims to unite the countries that host the world’s most advanced technology companies to unleash the economic potential of the new AI age, a US Department of State statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-sir-over-5-mn-voters-identified-for-likely-exclusion-from-voter-list-election-bjp-congress-tmc-rahul-gandhi-modi-1765537185482">West Bengal SIR: Over 5 million voters identified for likely exclusion from voter list</a>&nbsp;As per the statement, the effort stems from advancing US President Donald J Trump’s call for a new era of economic statecraft that produces peace and security for America and its allies through the power of private investment, free enterprise, and economics.<h2>First of its kind</h2>The US government highlighted that this is the first time countries are organising around compute, silicon, minerals, and energy as shared strategic assets. This is American AI diplomacy at its best: building coalitions, shaping markets, and advancing our national interests.&nbsp;According to the state department, the inaugural summit in Washington, DC, on December 12 will see Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and representatives from Japan, Israel, Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea signing the Pax Silica Declaration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-order-on-marijuana-will-reclassify-it-for-first-time-in-50-years-say-reports-what-will-change-1765526113813">Trump order on marijuana will reclassify it for first time in 50 years, say reports. What will change?</a>&nbsp;Describing the move as new era of American Statecraft the statement said that following the singing of declaration the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the European Union will gather to discuss "jointly pursuing multilayered partnerships that strengthen supply chain security, address coercive dependencies and single points of failure, and advance the adoption of trusted technology ecosystems".

The US-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to secure critical mineral and tech supply chains and curb China’s dominance, excludes India, as Washington and New Delhi remain locked in trade negotiations following President Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports.

A new US-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, which aims to create a secure supply chain in areas of critical minerals, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, does not include India. The development comes at a time when the teams from Washington are engaged in high-level trade talks in New Delhi with Indian counterparts, as they have already completed five rounds of technical negotiations. The alliance seeks to strengthen supply security for rare minerals and other resources vital for advanced AI technologies, reducing reliance on China, which currently controls nearly 70% of global rare earth mining. The Trump administration's initiative features the United States and eight partner countries, which include Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel as founding members. What is Pax Sillica initiative? As the name suggests, Pax comes from Latin pax, meaning peace and stability, and silica, the base compound refined into silicon for computer chips. Pax Silica is a new kind of international grouping and partnership – one that aims to unite the countries that host the world’s most advanced technology companies to unleash the economic potential of the new AI age, a US Department of State statement said. Also Read: West Bengal SIR: Over 5 million voters identified for likely exclusion from voter list As per the statement, the effort stems from advancing US President Donald J Trump’s call for a new era of economic statecraft that produces peace and security for America and its allies through the power of private investment, free enterprise, and economics. First of its kind The US government highlighted that this is the first time countries are organising around compute, silicon, minerals, and energy as shared strategic assets. This is American AI diplomacy at its best: building coalitions, shaping markets, and advancing our national interests. According to the state department, the inaugural summit in Washington, DC, on December 12 will see Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and representatives from Japan, Israel, Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea signing the Pax Silica Declaration. Also Read: Trump order on marijuana will reclassify it for first time in 50 years, say reports. What will change? Describing the move as new era of American Statecraft the statement said that following the singing of declaration the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the European Union will gather to discuss "jointly pursuing multilayered partnerships that strengthen supply chain security, address coercive dependencies and single points of failure, and advance the adoption of trusted technology ecosystems".

The US-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to secure critical mineral and tech supply chains and curb China’s dominance, excludes India, as Washington and New Delhi remain locked in trade negotiations following President Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports.

What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India

As military conflicts raged in the past five years, a rather 'benign tumour' has been growing in the world, which could become the potential flashpoint of the next wars: the race for critical minerals. Rare earths are the next oil, a potential cause for small to big wars. In essence, countries will likely wage wars over sand. Here is the dystopian view of the future of the 'rare earths wars', which is probably already on.<h2>What are rare earths and why could they become the cause of wars?</h2>The world today runs on rare earths: 17 obscure 'critical elements' powering everything from military systems and clean energy tech to your digital gadgets. From F-35 fighter jets and missile guidance to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and AI semiconductors, these minerals are inside everything. Demand has exploded, but supply is dangerously concentrated in a few countries. China today controls more than 70 per cent of global mining of these elements, and over 90 per cent of their processing. It’s a geopolitical weapon in the hands of China, and its rivals, led by the US, will find any reason to change that status quo.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lifts-export-ban-on-fertilisers-rare-earths-tunnel-machines-as-wang-yi-visits-india-report-1755581848134">China lifts export ban on fertilisers, rare earths, tunnel machines as Wang Yi visits India:&nbsp;Report</a><h2>How China’s rare earths export controls triggered global panic and Trump anger</h2>Last week, China launched sweeping export controls on key rare earths and processing technologies, just ahead of President Xi Jinping’s planned summit with US President Donald Trump, which the latter cancelled in anger. The Chinese curbs applied to holmium, europium, and ytterbium. It also blocked exports of critical magnet materials. Trump then threatened to slap 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods and framed the export bans as a national security threat to the US. In the American view, the curbs were tantamount to economic warfare.In an analysis, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned these curbs could cripple American defence production within months, because without Chinese rare earths, America’s F-35 jets, submarine systems, and precision-guided munitions cannot be built.Decades of offshoring and underinvestment in rare earths have left the US and the West utterly dependent on China, with no viable alternatives in the short term.This is how critical minerals have become strategic leverage, just like oil once was—leading to the West’s excuses for military interventions in producer countries, mostly in the Middle East.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-7-countries-with-the-largest-rare-earth-reserves-see-where-india-stands-1759307993918">Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands</a><h2>Rare earths are already a key factor in conflict zones, from Africa to Asia to Europe</h2>The scramble for rare earths is already playing out as a key aspect in several conflict and post-conflict zones. Trump’s planned re-entry into Afghanistan is being seen by many analysts in the context of the vast untapped reserves that include rare earths, lithium, and copper—at an estimated total value of up to $3 trillion by some accounts.Even before the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 after 20 years of occupation, China had moved in aggressively, having signed multi-billion-dollar mining deals. Before and during the new Taliban regime, Chinese mining workers have been attacked by Taliban-linked groups and Islamic State Khorasan. The region is slowly becoming a battleground not just of jihadist ideology and terror, but of extraction rights. With Trump aides already discussing “securing American interests” in Afghanistan, the Great Game has shifted underground, quite literally.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-china-with-increased-tariffs-and-no-meeting-with-xi-jinping-over-rare-earth-monopoly-policy-market-down-1760120771356">Trump threatens 'massive tariffs' on China, says 'now there seems to be no reason' to meet Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;As the Ukraine-Russia war continues, mineral geopolitics is on full display. Invading Ukraine gave Russia control of roughly half of its rich rare earth deposits, and much of its graphite, lithium, and uranium. These resources are central to European energy independence and Western re-industrialisation plans.Under Trump, the US struck a deal with Ukraine for preferential access to its critical minerals, tying aid to resource rights—a kind of quid pro quo.Thus, the war has now become, at least partially, about controlling Europe’s last great mineral trove. Russia has weaponised these assets, using export controls and territorial dominance to manipulate markets and supply chains.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-defends-rare-earth-export-curbs-world-business-watch-wion-1760334659059/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-defends-rare-earth-export-curbs-world-business-watch-wion-1760334659059/embed</a>Africa, one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world, is quietly becoming the next arena—even amid civil conflicts. Burundi, Tanzania, and the DRC hold enormous reserves of neodymium, cobalt, and dysprosium, but are also ravaged by decades of internecine wars involving armed groups, armies and governments. In spite of these conflicts, China has managed to dominate mining operations in the African continent for years.Amid the unrest and corruption, Western nations are planning to re-enter Africa strategically in several mineral-rich states, reminiscent of the scramble for Africa during colonialism.Rare earth extraction has been linked to insurgencies, land seizures, and violence in Africa.<h2>A resource opportunity to resource war: How demand-supply gaps could evolve into real conflicts</h2>Rising demand, monopolised supply, and unstable extraction zones—that’s the perfect powder keg that could ignite future wars in places with rare earth resources.Unlike oil, these minerals cannot be easily substituted, stored, or rerouted. Scarcity, strategic value, and long development cycles make them uniquely explosive and vulnerable to conflicts.Rare earths are the new fault lines of power. And the quiet race beneath the surface is already erupting into open confrontations. Whether in Ukraine, the mountains of Afghanistan, the jungles of the DRC, or the Gobi Desert, the next great conflict may be decided not by ideology or territory, but by who owns the minerals beneath our feet. And those who control the flow will control the future. We are not headed toward a rare earths war; we are already in it.

The global race for rare earth minerals is igniting geopolitical tensions that could lead to real wars. The tussles and tariff wars between China and the US is one aspect. The West is vying for control of critical elements, and could cause a new form of resource warfare.


As military conflicts raged in the past five years, a rather 'benign tumour' has been growing in the world, which could become the potential flashpoint of the next wars: the race for critical minerals. Rare earths are the next oil, a potential cause for small to big wars. In essence, countries will likely wage wars over sand. Here is the dystopian view of the future of the 'rare earths wars', which is probably already on. What are rare earths and why could they become the cause of wars? The world today runs on rare earths: 17 obscure 'critical elements' powering everything from military systems and clean energy tech to your digital gadgets. From F-35 fighter jets and missile guidance to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and AI semiconductors, these minerals are inside everything. Demand has exploded, but supply is dangerously concentrated in a few countries. China today controls more than 70 per cent of global mining of these elements, and over 90 per cent of their processing. It’s a geopolitical weapon in the hands of China, and its rivals, led by the US, will find any reason to change that status quo. Also read: China lifts export ban on fertilisers, rare earths, tunnel machines as Wang Yi visits India: Report How China’s rare earths export controls triggered global panic and Trump anger Last week, China launched sweeping export controls on key rare earths and processing technologies, just ahead of President Xi Jinping’s planned summit with US President Donald Trump, which the latter cancelled in anger. The Chinese curbs applied to holmium, europium, and ytterbium. It also blocked exports of critical magnet materials. Trump then threatened to slap 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods and framed the export bans as a national security threat to the US. In the American view, the curbs were tantamount to economic warfare. In an analysis, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned these curbs could cripple American defence production within months, because without Chinese rare earths, America’s F-35 jets, submarine systems, and precision-guided munitions cannot be built. Decades of offshoring and underinvestment in rare earths have left the US and the West utterly dependent on China, with no viable alternatives in the short term. This is how critical minerals have become strategic leverage, just like oil once was—leading to the West’s excuses for military interventions in producer countries, mostly in the Middle East. Also read: Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands Rare earths are already a key factor in conflict zones, from Africa to Asia to Europe The scramble for rare earths is already playing out as a key aspect in several conflict and post-conflict zones. Trump’s planned re-entry into Afghanistan is being seen by many analysts in the context of the vast untapped reserves that include rare earths, lithium, and copper—at an estimated total value of up to $3 trillion by some accounts. Even before the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 after 20 years of occupation, China had moved in aggressively, having signed multi-billion-dollar mining deals. Before and during the new Taliban regime, Chinese mining workers have been attacked by Taliban-linked groups and Islamic State Khorasan. The region is slowly becoming a battleground not just of jihadist ideology and terror, but of extraction rights. With Trump aides already discussing “securing American interests” in Afghanistan, the Great Game has shifted underground, quite literally. Also read: Trump threatens 'massive tariffs' on China, says 'now there seems to be no reason' to meet Xi Jinping As the Ukraine-Russia war continues, mineral geopolitics is on full display. Invading Ukraine gave Russia control of roughly half of its rich rare earth deposits, and much of its graphite, lithium, and uranium. These resources are central to European energy independence and Western re-industrialisation plans. Under Trump, the US struck a deal with Ukraine for preferential access to its critical minerals, tying aid to resource rights—a kind of quid pro quo. Thus, the war has now become, at least partially, about controlling Europe’s last great mineral trove. Russia has weaponised these assets, using export controls and territorial dominance to manipulate markets and supply chains. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-defends-rare-earth-export-curbs-world-business-watch-wion-1760334659059/embed Africa, one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world, is quietly becoming the next arena—even amid civil conflicts. Burundi, Tanzania, and the DRC hold enormous reserves of neodymium, cobalt, and dysprosium, but are also ravaged by decades of internecine wars involving armed groups, armies and governments. In spite of these conflicts, China has managed to dominate mining operations in the African continent for years. Amid the unrest and corruption, Western nations are planning to re-enter Africa strategically in several mineral-rich states, reminiscent of the scramble for Africa during colonialism. Rare earth extraction has been linked to insurgencies, land seizures, and violence in Africa. A resource opportunity to resource war: How demand-supply gaps could evolve into real conflicts Rising demand, monopolised supply, and unstable extraction zones—that’s the perfect powder keg that could ignite future wars in places with rare earth resources. Unlike oil, these minerals cannot be easily substituted, stored, or rerouted. Scarcity, strategic value, and long development cycles make them uniquely explosive and vulnerable to conflicts. Rare earths are the new fault lines of power. And the quiet race beneath the surface is already erupting into open confrontations. Whether in Ukraine, the mountains of Afghanistan, the jungles of the DRC, or the Gobi Desert, the next great conflict may be decided not by ideology or territory, but by who owns the minerals beneath our feet. And those who control the flow will control the future. We are not headed toward a rare earths war; we are already in it.

The global race for rare earth minerals is igniting geopolitical tensions that could lead to real wars. The tussles and tariff wars between China and the US is one aspect. The West is vying for control of critical elements, and could cause a new form of resource warfare. &nbsp;

Will rare earths cause the next war (or what is common in China vs US, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Africa)?

The Trump administration is moving to significantly bolster America’s domestic supply of critical minerals and materials with a proposed funding package worth nearly $1 billion, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced on August 13. The plan aims to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies vital to industries ranging from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, sectors currently dominated by China and other foreign suppliers.“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring processing and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources.”<h2>Four major initiatives under funding plan</h2>The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will oversee the largest portion of the funding, offering up to $500 million to expand US critical minerals processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling capabilities. Another $135 million will be directed toward establishing a Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility to prove the commercial viability of domestic refining and recovery methods from mining tailings and waste streams.The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management plans to provide $250 million in assistance to industrial plants, including coal facilities, to pilot technologies for recovering valuable mineral byproducts from existing processes. In addition, the DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office will offer up to $50 million under its Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator programme to support technology maturation in areas such as rare-earth magnet supply chains, direct lithium extraction, and refining of gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide for semiconductor use.<h2>Tapping unconventional sources</h2>The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will also advance its $40 million Recover programme, which focuses on extracting critical minerals from industrial wastewater. The initiative could unlock domestic supplies that would otherwise be discarded, complementing traditional mining. The DOE said these initiatives align with President Trump’s executive order on maximising US energy development, reinforcing supply chain security and industrial competitiveness. Funding opportunities will require recipients to match at least 50% of project costs, ensuring private-sector participation.By scaling domestic capabilities, officials say the US can reduce strategic vulnerabilities, create jobs, and secure key materials essential for the nation’s energy and technology future.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The plan aims to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies vital to industries ranging from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, sectors currently dominated by China and other foreign suppliers.

The Trump administration is moving to significantly bolster America’s domestic supply of critical minerals and materials with a proposed funding package worth nearly $1 billion, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced on August 13. The plan aims to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies vital to industries ranging from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, sectors currently dominated by China and other foreign suppliers. “For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring processing and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources.” Four major initiatives under funding plan The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will oversee the largest portion of the funding, offering up to $500 million to expand US critical minerals processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling capabilities. Another $135 million will be directed toward establishing a Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility to prove the commercial viability of domestic refining and recovery methods from mining tailings and waste streams. The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management plans to provide $250 million in assistance to industrial plants, including coal facilities, to pilot technologies for recovering valuable mineral byproducts from existing processes. In addition, the DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office will offer up to $50 million under its Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator programme to support technology maturation in areas such as rare-earth magnet supply chains, direct lithium extraction, and refining of gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide for semiconductor use. Tapping unconventional sources The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will also advance its $40 million Recover programme, which focuses on extracting critical minerals from industrial wastewater. The initiative could unlock domestic supplies that would otherwise be discarded, complementing traditional mining. The DOE said these initiatives align with President Trump’s executive order on maximising US energy development, reinforcing supply chain security and industrial competitiveness. Funding opportunities will require recipients to match at least 50% of project costs, ensuring private-sector participation. By scaling domestic capabilities, officials say the US can reduce strategic vulnerabilities, create jobs, and secure key materials essential for the nation’s energy and technology future. (With inputs from agencies)

The plan aims to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies vital to industries ranging from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, sectors currently dominated by China and other foreign suppliers.

Trump administration unveils nearly $1 billion plan to boost US critical minerals supply

President Donald Trump is redefining the foreign and trade policies of the United States, with a focus on business, profits, tariffs, and deals. While the US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals is still hanging in limbo, Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Eric Meyer, will soon be leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad for attending the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum to advance US interests in the critical minerals sector. As per a note from the US Department of State shared on Saturday, Meyer will be in Islamabad from April 8 to 10, and will meet senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan and promote the deepening of economic ties between the two countries.&nbsp; SBO Meyer will also engage with senior officials to highlight the importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism.
The US-Pakistan ties, largely based on a security-centric focus till now, may be transformed as Islamabad aims to draw the Trump administration with stakes in its critical mineral reserves and other business ventures.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jklf-chief-yasin-malik-facing-trial-in-terror-cases-tells-sc-i-am-a-political-leader-not-a-terrorist-who-is-he-8925990">JKLF&rsquo;s Yasin Malik, facing trial in terror cases, tells SC, &lsquo;I am a political leader, not a terrorist&rsquo;. Who is he?</a>
The upcoming visit of Meyer will be a sigh of relief for Pakistan, which is worried about Washington&rsquo;s diminished interest in the country since the withdrawal of US forces from bordering Afghanistan that shrank Islamabad&rsquo;s strategic relevance, besides Washington&rsquo;s focus shifting to the Indo-Pacific. US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development.&nbsp; Pakistan has vast mineral wealth like the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, while Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are said to have lithium reserves, critical for renewable energy technologies. However, in order to get US investment, Pakistan must prove its worth as a reliable partner and make some changes in its foreign policy by bringing down its reliance on China. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-altman-shares-his-ai-generated-cricketer-avatar-in-india-jersey-internet-sees-biz-strategy-roasts-him-8929622">Sam Altman shares his AI-generated cricketer avatar in India jersey; internet sees biz strategy, roasts him</a> The importance of minerals has changed geopolitics in the last few years as the demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, used in batteries, will jump significantly in the coming years.&nbsp; Critical minerals are extremely important for the US military, as its drones, robots, and weapons will run on batteries. Unlike the traditional engines, electric vehicles operate silently and don&rsquo;t leave a thermal signature. All this fits perfectly in the US plans to have a non-tactical fleet that runs entirely on batteries, and hence critical minerals rank high in US national security priorities.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-making-a-u-turn-ex-maoist-guerrilla-leads-fight-for-return-of-monarchy-hindu-nation-8911280" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation</a> China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains and commands global battery cell production with access to mines across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.&nbsp; Pakistan's economy is struggling, and its foreign debt has skyrocketed, and hence its critical minerals offer it an avenue for growth.

World: US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development.

President Donald Trump is redefining the foreign and trade policies of the United States, with a focus on business, profits, tariffs, and deals. While the US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals is still hanging in limbo, Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Eric Meyer, will soon be leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad for attending the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum to advance US interests in the critical minerals sector. As per a note from the US Department of State shared on Saturday, Meyer will be in Islamabad from April 8 to 10, and will meet senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan and promote the deepening of economic ties between the two countries. SBO Meyer will also engage with senior officials to highlight the importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism. The US-Pakistan ties, largely based on a security-centric focus till now, may be transformed as Islamabad aims to draw the Trump administration with stakes in its critical mineral reserves and other business ventures. Also Read | JKLF’s Yasin Malik, facing trial in terror cases, tells SC, ‘I am a political leader, not a terrorist’. Who is he? The upcoming visit of Meyer will be a sigh of relief for Pakistan, which is worried about Washington’s diminished interest in the country since the withdrawal of US forces from bordering Afghanistan that shrank Islamabad’s strategic relevance, besides Washington’s focus shifting to the Indo-Pacific. US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development. Pakistan has vast mineral wealth like the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, while Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are said to have lithium reserves, critical for renewable energy technologies. However, in order to get US investment, Pakistan must prove its worth as a reliable partner and make some changes in its foreign policy by bringing down its reliance on China. Also Read | Sam Altman shares his AI-generated cricketer avatar in India jersey; internet sees biz strategy, roasts him The importance of minerals has changed geopolitics in the last few years as the demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, used in batteries, will jump significantly in the coming years. Critical minerals are extremely important for the US military, as its drones, robots, and weapons will run on batteries. Unlike the traditional engines, electric vehicles operate silently and don’t leave a thermal signature. All this fits perfectly in the US plans to have a non-tactical fleet that runs entirely on batteries, and hence critical minerals rank high in US national security priorities. Also Read | Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains and commands global battery cell production with access to mines across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Pakistan's economy is struggling, and its foreign debt has skyrocketed, and hence its critical minerals offer it an avenue for growth.

Senior US official heads to Pakistan with focus on critical minerals deal

As we mark 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, 'peace' is now a far-sighted possibility. With Donald Trump pursuing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's vast mineral wealth is now at the centre of negotiations.
Ukraine is home to some of the world's largest reserves of critical minerals. Reports estimate that 111 billion tonnes of resources worth $14.8 trillion are hidden beneath its soil. This includes essential rare earth metals like Neodymium, Lanthanum, and Yttrium. The country is ranked among the top 10 suppliers, and was a major supplier of Titanium, Gallium, and Neon gas before Russia's invasion, which disrupted Ukraine's energy supply chains. According to Ukraine, Russia controls over 40 per cent of its critical mineral resources.
&lsquo;We have information that, unfortunately, there is about $350 billion worth of these useful critical materials in the temporarily occupied territory. We understand that these are resources that the aggressor unfortunately has and that can be used. The same titanium, used primarily for the aviation industry, the defence industry, the medical industry, will be used against us in this fight,&rsquo; Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine&rsquo;s deputy prime minister, recently said.&nbsp;
<h2>United States eyes Ukraine's 'hidden wealth'</h2>
The US has been one of the major lenders for Ukraine since 2022. The billion-dollar aid made so far allowed Ukraine to persevere against the Russian onslaught. Now, with a new administration at the helm, Ukraine's foreign aid faces an uncertain future.
Donald Trump has expressed interest in Ukraine's critical mineral reserves to counter China's market dominance. Trump believes that Ukraine should allow access to its strategic reserves in exchange for continued military aid. However, Zelensky has rejected the deal, citing no benefit for Ukrainians. He argues that the proposed sum vastly exceeds the $100 billion in aid received from the US.
'That is why I did not allow ministers to sign the agreement because it is not ready. In my opinion, it does not protect us. It is not ready to protect us, our interests. For me, it is very important to talk about investments in Ukraine, and investments in particular. And it must be written out legally correctly, correctly, and it is an investment,' he said.
<h2>Commercial viability of Ukraine's critical minerals</h2>
According to experts, Ukraine's natural resource potential relies on outdated Soviet-era data. Additionally, the energy infrastructure of the country has been severely damaged, making large-scale mining projects difficult and expensive. The commercial aspects of the deal are still in question, with Ukraine's economic future at stake.

Business & Economy, Ukraine is ranked among the top 10 suppliers, and was a major supplier of Titanium, Gallium, and Neon gas before Russia's invasion

As we mark 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, 'peace' is now a far-sighted possibility. With Donald Trump pursuing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's vast mineral wealth is now at the centre of negotiations. Ukraine is home to some of the world's largest reserves of critical minerals. Reports estimate that 111 billion tonnes of resources worth $14.8 trillion are hidden beneath its soil. This includes essential rare earth metals like Neodymium, Lanthanum, and Yttrium. The country is ranked among the top 10 suppliers, and was a major supplier of Titanium, Gallium, and Neon gas before Russia's invasion, which disrupted Ukraine's energy supply chains. According to Ukraine, Russia controls over 40 per cent of its critical mineral resources. ‘We have information that, unfortunately, there is about $350 billion worth of these useful critical materials in the temporarily occupied territory. We understand that these are resources that the aggressor unfortunately has and that can be used. The same titanium, used primarily for the aviation industry, the defence industry, the medical industry, will be used against us in this fight,’ Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, recently said. United States eyes Ukraine's 'hidden wealth' The US has been one of the major lenders for Ukraine since 2022. The billion-dollar aid made so far allowed Ukraine to persevere against the Russian onslaught. Now, with a new administration at the helm, Ukraine's foreign aid faces an uncertain future. Donald Trump has expressed interest in Ukraine's critical mineral reserves to counter China's market dominance. Trump believes that Ukraine should allow access to its strategic reserves in exchange for continued military aid. However, Zelensky has rejected the deal, citing no benefit for Ukrainians. He argues that the proposed sum vastly exceeds the $100 billion in aid received from the US. 'That is why I did not allow ministers to sign the agreement because it is not ready. In my opinion, it does not protect us. It is not ready to protect us, our interests. For me, it is very important to talk about investments in Ukraine, and investments in particular. And it must be written out legally correctly, correctly, and it is an investment,' he said. Commercial viability of Ukraine's critical minerals According to experts, Ukraine's natural resource potential relies on outdated Soviet-era data. Additionally, the energy infrastructure of the country has been severely damaged, making large-scale mining projects difficult and expensive. The commercial aspects of the deal are still in question, with Ukraine's economic future at stake.

U.S-Ukraine critical minerals deal: What's at stake?

Australia expects to wrap up an agreement with the United States over critical minerals before the end of the year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Critical minerals and their supply chain will become vital to global growth from here onward, Albanese said, addressing reporters in Philadelphia on Friday after a meeting with US President Joe Biden.

“As we move forward and we look at the drivers of global growth in this century, Australia has the entire periodic table basically of what will be needed,” he said. “That presents an opportunity not just to get access to those resources, but how value is added to it and the supply chain issues that are related to that.”

He and Biden “had a really good discussion about progressing that and we are hopeful that that will be finalised by the end of this year,” Albanese said.

Over a year ago, the two nations started discussing the Australia-US Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact. The collaboration seeks to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of a range of rare earth minerals used in high technology at a time when China dominates the market and controls about 70 per cent of global output.

Albanese said he and Biden discussed how they can cooperate in developing critical minerals and also “the potential that’s there as well for further work to involve other nations like Canada and other like-minded countries to achieve our objectives.”

Albanese was speaking ahead of a meeting with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which also includes India and Japan. His comments were reported by ABC News.

Australia expects to wrap up an agreement with the United States over critical minerals before the end of the year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Australia expects to wrap up an agreement with the United States over critical minerals before the end of the year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, according to a report by Bloomberg. Critical minerals and their supply chain will become vital to global growth from here onward, Albanese said, addressing reporters in Philadelphia on Friday after a meeting with US President Joe Biden. “As we move forward and we look at the drivers of global growth in this century, Australia has the entire periodic table basically of what will be needed,” he said. “That presents an opportunity not just to get access to those resources, but how value is added to it and the supply chain issues that are related to that.” He and Biden “had a really good discussion about progressing that and we are hopeful that that will be finalised by the end of this year,” Albanese said. Over a year ago, the two nations started discussing the Australia-US Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact. The collaboration seeks to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of a range of rare earth minerals used in high technology at a time when China dominates the market and controls about 70 per cent of global output. Albanese said he and Biden discussed how they can cooperate in developing critical minerals and also “the potential that’s there as well for further work to involve other nations like Canada and other like-minded countries to achieve our objectives.” Albanese was speaking ahead of a meeting with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which also includes India and Japan. His comments were reported by ABC News.

Australia aims to finalise critical minerals agreement with US this year

The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy.

The first tranche of ₹ 45,000 crore ($5.36 billion) worth of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals has been put up for auction on November 29 for prospective bidders by the Indian Ministry of Mines.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi while launching the auction process said, "We have identified a total of 100 blocks for auction. Of these, 20 are being offered in the first tranche and the auction for the others will take place in due course."&nbsp;

These 20 blocks which have been put under the hammer are located in different parts of the country.&nbsp;

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The mines ministry termed this "a landmark initiative that will boost our economy, enhance national security, and support our transition to a clean energy future."&nbsp;

<h2>Spread across the nation</h2>

The blocks are located in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

As per reports, composite licences will be issued for 16 of them and mining licences will be provided for the remaining four.&nbsp;

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Composite licences are usually provided for those areas where preliminary exploration has already been conducted by the government, however, there is still a need for exploration. Meanwhile, the mining licenses are for those areas where there is a verified minerals reserve.&nbsp;

"The future global economy will be underpinned by technologies that depend on minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements (REE). India has committed to achieve 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Such ambitious plan for energy transition is set to drive the demand for electric cars, wind and solar energy projects and battery storage systems thereby increasing the demand for these critical minerals," the ministry said.

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In February this year, India found a huge 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in the country's north in Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first time when Lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes were found in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy.

The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy. The first tranche of ₹ 45,000 crore ($5.36 billion) worth of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals has been put up for auction on November 29 for prospective bidders by the Indian Ministry of Mines. Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi while launching the auction process said, "We have identified a total of 100 blocks for auction. Of these, 20 are being offered in the first tranche and the auction for the others will take place in due course." These 20 blocks which have been put under the hammer are located in different parts of the country. Also Read | US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist The mines ministry termed this "a landmark initiative that will boost our economy, enhance national security, and support our transition to a clean energy future." Spread across the nation The blocks are located in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As per reports, composite licences will be issued for 16 of them and mining licences will be provided for the remaining four. Also Read | Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project Composite licences are usually provided for those areas where preliminary exploration has already been conducted by the government, however, there is still a need for exploration. Meanwhile, the mining licenses are for those areas where there is a verified minerals reserve. "The future global economy will be underpinned by technologies that depend on minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements (REE). India has committed to achieve 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Such ambitious plan for energy transition is set to drive the demand for electric cars, wind and solar energy projects and battery storage systems thereby increasing the demand for these critical minerals," the ministry said. Watch | India: Bharatiya Janata Party launches 2024 poll campaign | WION × In February this year, India found a huge 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in the country's north in Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first time when Lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes were found in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

India launches first-ever auction for critical minerals to boost economy, transition towards clean energy

The South Korean President and Canadian Prime Minister agreed to step up cooperation on critical minerals and other economic security issues. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Ottawa, Seoul focus on critical minerals | WION Climate Tracker