Written by Dr. Chandan Kumar
New Delhi (India), January 20 (ANI): As the global drive towards clean energy intensifies, demand for rare earth elements essential to renewable energy technologies continues to soar.
India, the world’s third largest carbon emitter, is rapidly transitioning to renewable energy, but faces significant challenges in relying on imports to meet growing demand for rare earths.
To reduce dependence on China, India is diversifying its supply sources through agreements with the US, Latin American and African countries.
In these efforts, Kazakhstan, with its rich rare earth resources and proximity, is emerging as a strategically valuable partner.
Kazakhstan’s potential to enhance global rare earth supplies is consistent with India’s goal of establishing a more reliable and geographically proximate supply chain. This cooperation has the potential to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries while supporting the global push towards a sustainable energy future.
Despite having the world’s fifth-largest rare earth reserves, India lacks the advanced mining technology needed to become self-sufficient. This leaves the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, especially as China remains the dominant player in the rare earths sector. Concerns over safety and reliability of supply have led New Delhi to step up its search for diverse supply sources, with Kazakhstan emerging as a key option.
India recently signed an agreement with Argentina for the procurement of rare earth metals, underscoring its efforts to expand its supply base. Meanwhile, discussions between Kazakh officials and international partners are increasingly focused on rare earth resources, highlighting Kazakhstan’s potential role in meeting global demand.
Kazakhstan’s vast reserves and proximity to India make it an attractive partner to address critical gaps in India’s rare earth supply chain. The country is well-positioned to supply these essential materials, which are essential to industries ranging from renewable energy and electronics to defense and nuclear technology.
Rare earth metals play important roles in various industries. These elements are often used as metal oxides and serve as alloying additives in steel and other materials, gas absorbents in electronic equipment, magnetic materials, igniter mixtures, and components of catalysts. It is also essential in the production of specialty glasses, ceramics, and hydrogen storage materials.
Recognizing its strategic importance, India proposed the establishment of an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum during the second India-Central Asia National Security Advisor (NSA) meeting. The initiative aims to address the critical role of rare earths in achieving sustainable, low-carbon growth and foster transparency and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Central Asia boasts huge reserves of important minerals. The region accounts for 38.6 percent of the world’s manganese ore, 30.07 percent of chromium, 20 percent of lead, 12.6 percent of zinc, and 8.7 percent of titanium. These resources position Central Asia as a strategic powerhouse in the global mineral market.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the vital mineral as “the new oil” and emphasized its importance to the global economy. This wealth has attracted the attention of world powers, creating a dynamic and competitive geopolitical landscape.
India’s energy needs remain substantial and certain regions face energy shortages. Cooperation with Central Asia could unlock immense potential, but realizing the full benefits of this partnership will require addressing logistical challenges, particularly transporting resources from this landlocked region to India. need to.
The proposed Rare Earth Forum aims to overcome these challenges while leveraging common opportunities and ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for India and Central Asia. (Ani)
The author is a young scholar with a doctorate in Buddhist history. He is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History, Satyawati College, University of Delhi.
(This story comes from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by Tribune staff.)
