What's Happening?
Coal India is actively exploring partnerships in rare-earth mining across several countries, including Australia, Russia, Argentina, Chile, and African nations. This initiative, led by Bharat Coking Coal Ltd,
aims to reduce India's reliance on China-dominated supply chains. The urgency of this strategy has increased following China's expansion of export restrictions on rare-earth minerals, which are crucial for sectors like automobiles, electronics, and clean energy. Coal India is also pursuing domestic opportunities by collaborating with Indian public sector enterprises.
Why It's Important?
The diversification of India's rare-earth supply chain is critical for reducing dependency on China, which currently dominates the global market. This move could enhance India's strategic mineral security and support key industries that rely on rare-earth elements. By establishing partnerships and exploring domestic resources, India aims to build a resilient supply base, which is essential for its economic and technological growth. The success of this strategy could position India as a significant player in the global rare-earth market.
