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Moscow's mineral gambit: Putin orders ministers to draft long-term strategy for rare-earth metals

By ramontomeydw // 2025-11-06

• Putin orders a long-term strategy for mining and processing rare-earth metals, aiming to capitalize on Russia's reserves (estimated between 3.8M–28.5M tons) and reduce reliance on China, which dominates global production.
• The U.S. and China's trade tensions have intensified competition for critical minerals, with Russia positioning itself as a potential alternative supplier while deepening ties with China and North Korea via infrastructure projects.
• Washington seeks to break China's rare-earth monopoly, with Trump pursuing deals in Ukraine and engaging in talks with Russia – despite strained relations – to secure supply chains vital for tech and military applications.
• Rare-earth metals (17 key elements) are essential for advanced tech, EVs and defense systems. Nations lacking domestic or diversified sources risk supply disruptions and geopolitical coercion by adversaries like China.
• The race for mineral dominance could reshape alliances, trade flows and military balances, with Russia's December roadmap determining whether it becomes a reliable supplier or a disruptor in this high-stakes resource war.

As global powers scramble to secure critical minerals essential for modern technology – from smartphones to advanced weaponry – Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to craft a long-term strategy for mining and processing rare-earth metals. The directive published on the Kremlin's website on Tuesday, Nov. 4, demands a detailed roadmap by Dec. 1 – signaling Russia's intent to capitalize on its vast mineral reserves amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. With Beijing controlling nearly two-thirds of global rare-earth production, Putin's move positions Moscow as a potential alternative supplier while raising questions about future geopolitical alliances and resource dominance. Rare-earth metals, comprising 17 elements crucial for high-tech manufacturing, have become a focal point in global economic and military competition. According to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the country claims to hold an estimated 28.5 million tons of these metals. International estimates vary widely, however – with the U.S. Geological Survey pegging Moscow's reserves at just 3.8 million tons. Regardless, Putin has framed the sector as vital for Russia's economic resilience and global competitiveness. Speaking at September's Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, he emphasized the need for advanced processing technologies and stronger domestic demand, while leaving the door open to foreign partnerships – including with the United States. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that countries must secure their own supply of rare earth minerals to break dependence on China, which currently dominates global production and processing – posing severe risks to national security, economic stability and military readiness. Without domestic or diversified sources, nations remain vulnerable to supply disruptions and geopolitical coercion by hostile regimes.

Rare-earths and the future of global power

Washington's urgency to diversify rare-earth supplies has intensified since China, retaliating against U.S. tariffs, began restricting exports. U.S. President Donald Trump has openly praised Russia's "huge reserves" and explored joint extraction deals. These include a contentious agreement with Ukraine signed in May that grants the U.S. preferential access to its mineral wealth, though much of those resources lie in the Donbas region. Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Kirill Dmitriev confirmed ongoing U.S.-Russia talks, framing rare-earth collaboration as a potential bridge in otherwise strained relations. The geopolitical chessboard extends beyond minerals. Putin's directive also mandates improved transport links along Russia's borders with China and North Korea, including new rail bridges – a nod to deepening ties with both nations amid Western sanctions. While Russia currently contributes just one percent of global rare-earth output, its push for self-sufficiency mirrors broader trends of economic decoupling and resource nationalism. For now, China remains the unrivaled titan of rare earths, controlling supply chains that underpin everything from electric vehicles to missile guidance systems. But as Putin accelerates Russia's pivot eastward and Washington eyes alternatives, the race for these critical minerals could reshape alliances, trade flows and even military balances in ways not seen since the Cold War. Whether Russia emerges as a reliable supplier or a spoiler in this high-stakes game may hinge on December's roadmap – and the West's willingness to engage with a long-time adversary now holding increasingly valuable cards. Nevertheless, the race for mineral dominance is now a battleground for global power. Watch this Fox News report about Russia and the U.S. reportedly negotiating a rare earth minerals deal. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com AlJazeera.com POLITICO.eu BrightU.ai Brighteon.com

Russia China United States national security Vladimir Putin big government risk metals geopolitics bubble mining rare earth minerals supply chain energy supply critical minerals export ban