India, Australia eye rare earth and copper tie-ups amid China export crunch
New Delhi: India is in discussions with Australia for potential collaborations on rare earth minerals and copper blocks, as global concerns over China's tightening control on rare earth exports continue to grow. Economic Times reported.
“There are ongoing talks on rare earths, and blocks are available. This presents a chance for India to acquire an early-stage block and collaborate with select companies,” said Malini Dutt, Trade and Investment Commissioner for the New South Wales Government, during the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025 hosted by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), according to the report.
Dutt added that Indian interest extends beyond rare earths.
"There is a lot of interest around copper as well, based on conversations I’ve had. The interest is from both the private sector and a PSU that is actively scouting for copper blocks,” she said.
Highlighting the availability of smelting infrastructure in India, she noted that companies such as Adani, which has made large investments in copper, are well-positioned to tap into Australian reserves.
“There’s capacity, there’s abundance. That’s a space people are keenly watching,” she added.
The move comes as Indian industries—particularly the automotive and white goods sectors—face supply constraints due to China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets.
These restrictions were introduced via a decree by Premier Li Qiang in June 2024, and have reportedly intensified following US-imposed 146% tariffs on Chinese exports under former President Donald Trump.
Rare earths consist of 17 critical elements essential for electronics, EVs, wind turbines and other clean technologies. While found in various countries, the extraction process is both expensive and environmentally damaging.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China currently accounts for 61% of global mined rare earth output, but controls 92% of the world's processing capacity—giving it overwhelming dominance in the market.
India’s move to diversify sourcing is seen as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals crucial to its energy transition and manufacturing resilience.
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