From Yahoo Finance.: 2025-06-16 05:48:00

India has asked state-owned miner IREL to stop rare earth exports to Japan to meet domestic needs and reduce reliance on China. This shift is due to China limiting rare earth exports crucial for high-tech industries like EV manufacturing. India imported 53,748 tonnes of rare earth magnets in FY 2025 from China.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal directed IREL to halt rare earth exports, focusing on neodymium for EV motor magnets. The Commerce Ministry, IREL, and Department of Atomic Energy have not commented. IREL supplies rare earths to Toyotsu Rare Earths India under a 2012 agreement for processing and export to Japan.

IREL aims to retain rare earths for domestic mining and processing expansion amid China’s export restrictions. The company awaits clearances for four mines but may face challenges halting exports to Japan immediately. Japan’s Trade Ministry has not commented on bilateral exchanges.

India’s move aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission for self-reliance in critical minerals for clean energy tech. This supports India’s climate goals, including reducing emissions intensity and achieving net-zero by 2070. The strategy involves securing critical mineral supply chains through domestic exploration and overseas asset acquisition.



Read more at Yahoo Finance.: India to conserve rare earths for domestic use, halt Japan exports