Russia is ramping up efforts to secure rare earth resources. President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to develop a roadmap for rare earth mining by December 1.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Kremlin’s published list of ministerial directives revealed Putin also ordered the establishment of transportation networks in border regions with China and North Korea. This initiative stems from discussions at the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok last September.
Rare earth elements are crucial for advanced industries, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and weapons systems. Their strategic importance in global trade is rapidly increasing.
In April, the U.S. secured priority access to new mineral contracts with Ukraine through an agreement, which also included support for reconstruction investments. While Russia has expressed interest in rare earth cooperation with the U.S., the ongoing war in Ukraine makes prospects for collaboration uncertain.
China, the leading producer of rare earth elements, imposed export restrictions earlier this year in response to U.S. tariffs. However, an agreement to resume exports was reached during the U.S.-China summit on October 30.
Putin’s directive emphasized developing comprehensive transportation and logistics hubs in border areas with China and North Korea. He specified that these hubs should incorporate two existing railway bridges connected to China and a new railway bridge linking to North Korea, set for completion by 2026.
In the wake of Western sanctions, China and North Korea have been bolstering economic ties with Russia. Against this backdrop, Russia aims to strengthen its strategic position through rare earth resource development and expansion of border infrastructure.