New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) In a strategic effort to lessen reliance on China for essential minerals, Japan is currently in discussions with India regarding a joint exploration of rare earth deposits located in the arid region of Rajasthan, as per recent reports.

This initiative follows India's identification of three significant hard rock rare earth deposits in Rajasthan and Gujarat, which are estimated to contain around 1.29 million metric tons of rare earth oxides.

The announcement was made last month by Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who highlighted that these findings could profoundly enhance India’s mineral security.

Sources indicate that the talks between New Delhi and Tokyo are part of a preliminary agreement on critical minerals that was signed last year. Under this proposed collaboration, Japan is expected to send experts to Rajasthan for an in-depth study of the deposits.

The government of Japan is likely to provide advanced extraction technology and financial backing in return for a consistent supply of rare earth materials to Japan.

Extracting hard rock rare earth deposits necessitates specialized techniques, which India currently lacks at a large scale. Therefore, Japan’s technological prowess may be crucial in the development of these resources.

Reports suggest that Japan is evaluating mining opportunities globally to diversify its mineral supplies, including rare earth elements. However, it was stated that no specific corporate partnerships or technology agreements concerning Rajasthan have been discussed as of yet.

Both India and Japan are aiming to diminish their dependence on Chinese imports of rare earth materials. These elements are vital for producing permanent magnets utilized in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, fighter jets, and drones.

As one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, India views secure access to these materials as essential for its industrial and strategic goals.

The discussions also occur in the context of escalating tensions between Japan and China.

Recently, China imposed a ban on the export of certain dual-use items to 20 Japanese entities, alleging their connections to Japan’s military. This action effectively limits Japanese companies' access to seven rare earth elements and other critical minerals currently under China’s dual-use control.

In addition to rare earths, reports indicate that Japan is exploring partnerships with Indian firms to seek lithium, copper, and cobalt in Africa, as part of a broader strategy to ensure diversified and stable mineral supply chains.