Russia to Formulate Roadmap for Rare Earth Mineral Development

According to a Reuters report cited by Mining.com, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the cabinet on Tuesday to develop a roadmap for the development of rare earth minerals by December 1.

In a list of ministerial tasks published on the Kremlin's website, Putin also instructed the cabinet to take measures to build border transport links.

Rare earths are used in smartphones, EVs, and weapon systems, holding crucial strategic significance in international trade.

In April, the US signed an agreement with Ukraine, securing priority rights to develop Ukraine's mineral resources and participate in the country's reconstruction.

Russia stated that it also wished to cooperate with the US on rare earth projects, but these plans were shelved due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

In September, Putin mentioned plans to mine rare earths while attending the Eastern Economic Forum but did not elaborate on the specifics.

Additionally, he directed the government to build a "multimodal and logistics center" at the Far Eastern border.

Putin noted that the area has two railway bridges connecting to neighboring countries, and a new bridge linking to North Korea must be operational by 2026.