Japan in Talks With India to Explore for Rare Earths
Japan and India are currently engaged in discussions to collaboratively investigate rare earth reserves in the province of Rajasthan, according to reports. This initiative by Tokyo aims to decrease dependence on China for essential materials crucial for the production of magnets.
Last month, the Minister of Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, announced the discovery of three hard rock rare earth deposits in Rajasthan and Gujarat, totaling 1.29 million metric tons of rare earth oxides.
Also Read: Gunjan Srivastava Joins MIRC Electronics as CEO & MD
Subsequent to a preliminary agreement on essential minerals signed between Japan and India last year, Tokyo has demonstrated interest in the Rajasthan deposits and intends to dispatch specialists to the location, as noted by reports.
The arrival time of the experts was not specified, but reports indicated that in Rajasthan, the Japanese government is interested in offering technology for extraction and financial support in return for a consistent supply of rare earth minerals to be transported to Japan.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Collaborates With Ericsson
It was also mentioned that the extraction of rare earth elements from hard rock deposits requires techniques that are currently unavailable in India.
Japan is currently assessing mining endeavors on a global scale in order to expand their sources of minerals, particularly rare earths, as stated by Naoki Kobayashi, who serves as the deputy director at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in Japan.
Kobayashi made it clear that there have been no talks regarding potential collaborations with specific companies or technology transfers in Rajasthan.
India, much like Japan, aims to decrease reliance on Chinese imports by establishing large-scale facilities for the processing of rare earth elements to achieve high levels of purity. Japan could potentially provide the required technology for this endeavor.
Also Read: PM Modi and Canada PM Mark Carney to Reset Ties
Rare earth elements are indispensable for the production of permanent magnets, which are utilized in a variety of technologies such as electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, fighter jets, and drones. These materials are deemed crucial for India, which is currently recognized as the world's rapidly advancing major economy.
China recently implemented a ban on the export of dual-use items, which are materials capable of being used for both civilian and military purposes, to 20 specifically identified Japanese entities believed to be providing support to Japan's military. This action is seen as the latest development in an ongoing dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.
The decision effectively disconnects Japanese corporations from the seven rare earth elements and related materials listed on China's dual-use control list, in addition to a variety of other strategically important minerals under strict control. One source mentioned that in addition to rare earths, Japan is interested in partnering with Indian companies to investigate the potential of lithium, copper, and cobalt resources in Africa.