NMDC Explores Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Partnerships with Russia to Strengthen India’s Mineral Security

India’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC Limited, is exploring strategic partnerships with Russian companies in rare earth elements and critical minerals, strengthening India’s efforts to secure essential raw materials for advanced manufacturing, defence, renewable energy and emerging technologies. The initiative forms part of the growing industrial cooperation between India and Russia, with both countries identifying mineral exploration, resource development and technology partnerships as important areas of bilateral engagement.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of Russia Energy Week 2026 in Moscow, where an Indian delegation led by the Ministry of Steel engaged with Russian government officials and industry representatives to explore opportunities for investment, mineral resource development and technological cooperation. The delegation included representatives from NMDC Limited, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), MOIL Limited and MECON Limited, bringing together major Indian public sector enterprises involved in mining, steel production and industrial engineering.

The engagement builds upon the India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation, which identified rare earth elements, critical minerals, mining equipment and mineral exploration as priority areas for bilateral cooperation during its meeting in August 2026. The latest discussions reflect India’s growing emphasis on diversifying mineral supply chains and strengthening its domestic industrial capabilities through international partnerships.

NMDC Holds Discussions with Russian Mining Companies

During Russia Energy Week 2026, NMDC representatives engaged with Russian companies to explore potential strategic collaborations and investment opportunities involving rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The discussions focused on mineral exploration, investment partnerships, mining technologies and opportunities for cooperation across the mineral value chain.

The Indian delegation was led by Daya Nidhan Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, and included Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC Limited, along with representatives from other public sector enterprises. The delegation also engaged with officials from Russia’s Ministry of Energy to discuss opportunities for strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation and improving access to mineral resources.

NMDC’s participation is significant because the company possesses extensive experience in mineral exploration, large-scale mining operations, resource assessment and mineral processing. Its technical expertise and established operational capabilities provide a foundation for evaluating new mining opportunities and exploring partnerships with international resource developers.

The discussions also reflect the broader objective of connecting Indian public sector enterprises with international mining companies possessing complementary mineral resources and technological expertise. Cooperation in these areas can support mineral exploration, technical knowledge exchange and the development of industrial supply chains serving strategically important sectors.

India and Russia Expand Cooperation in Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements have become essential materials for modern industrial development because of their applications in advanced electronics, electric motors, renewable energy equipment and defence technologies. The group comprises 17 metallic elements, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium, which are widely used in specialised industrial applications.

Neodymium and praseodymium are important components of high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, industrial machinery and advanced electronic systems. Dysprosium and terbium can improve the performance of these magnets at elevated temperatures, making them particularly useful in demanding industrial and technological applications.

Rare earth elements also have applications in aerospace equipment, communication systems, precision guidance technologies, radar systems and other specialised defence components. Their growing importance has encouraged countries to strengthen access to mineral resources and develop more diversified supply chains for processing and manufacturing.

Russia possesses substantial mineral resources and established capabilities in mining, metallurgy and mineral processing. Cooperation with Russian enterprises offers India opportunities to explore new mineral assets, strengthen technical partnerships and develop industrial capabilities associated with rare earth elements.

For India, greater access to these resources supports the expansion of indigenous manufacturing in sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, aerospace, electronics and defence. Diversified sourcing also strengthens industrial resilience by reducing dependence on a limited number of international suppliers.

India–Russia Working Group Identifies Critical Minerals as Priority Sector

The latest engagement follows the 12th Session of the India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation, held in New Delhi on August 7, 2026. The meeting took place under the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, which provides an institutional framework for strengthening bilateral economic and industrial relations.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, co-chaired the meeting from the Indian side, while Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, represented Russia. Senior officials and representatives from relevant government institutions participated in the discussions.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, both countries reviewed opportunities for cooperation in mineral exploration, rare earth elements, critical minerals, mining equipment and advanced industrial technologies. The discussions also covered lithium mining, titanium technologies, industrial automation, aluminium production and modern manufacturing systems.

Both sides identified mineral exploration and the development of technical capabilities involving rare earth elements as important areas for expanding cooperation. The meeting concluded with the signing of a protocol reaffirming their commitment to strengthening industrial and economic relations.

The government-level discussions provide an institutional foundation for subsequent engagement between Indian public sector enterprises and Russian companies. They also support the development of sector-specific partnerships that combine mineral resources, industrial expertise and technological capabilities.

NMDC Expands Beyond Conventional Iron Ore Mining

NMDC Limited, a Navratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, is India’s largest iron ore producer and plays a central role in supplying raw materials to the domestic steel industry. The company operates major mining complexes in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and has developed extensive capabilities in mineral exploration, mine planning, ore extraction and resource management.

During the financial year 2025–26, NMDC achieved a major production milestone by producing approximately 53.15 million tonnes of iron ore, registering growth of around 21% over the previous financial year. The achievement made NMDC the first Indian mining company to cross the 50-million-tonne annual iron ore production mark.

The company’s established mining operations provide a strong technical and operational foundation for expanding into additional mineral categories. Its experience in geological investigations, mineral reserve assessment, mechanised mining and large-scale production can support diversification into strategically important resources.

NMDC’s growing interest in rare earth elements and critical minerals represents an expansion of its mineral portfolio beyond conventional iron ore production. The company is exploring opportunities that align with India’s requirements for raw materials used in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric mobility and defence technologies.

International engagements with Russian companies complement NMDC’s domestic efforts to develop new mineral resources and strengthen its position in India’s evolving critical minerals sector.

NMDC and GMDC Partner to Develop India’s Rare Earth Resources

NMDC has already initiated domestic cooperation to strengthen India’s rare earth mineral industry. On March 16, 2026, NMDC Limited and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration in rare earth elements and associated minerals.

The agreement, announced by NMDC on March 17, seeks to support the development of an integrated and sustainable critical mineral supply chain in India. The proposed cooperation covers rare earth exploration, research and development, mineral processing and environmentally responsible resource development.

Both companies also agreed to examine opportunities for establishing joint ventures, special purpose vehicles and other strategic business arrangements. A steering committee and working group were proposed to evaluate potential projects, identify areas of cooperation and guide the implementation of mutually beneficial initiatives.

The partnership combines NMDC’s experience in large-scale mining and mineral exploration with GMDC’s expertise in mineral development and resource management. The collaboration provides an opportunity to strengthen domestic capabilities in rare earth exploration and processing while supporting the government’s objectives for critical mineral security.

NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee highlighted the strategic importance of rare earth elements for energy security, defence capabilities and India’s objective of achieving greater self-reliance in critical mineral resources.

The domestic partnership with GMDC and the company’s discussions with Russian enterprises demonstrate a coordinated approach towards exploring both domestic and international opportunities in critical minerals.

Critical Minerals Support Defence and Advanced Manufacturing

Critical minerals are essential inputs for industries that India is strengthening through indigenous manufacturing, technological development and industrial modernisation. Their importance extends across renewable energy, electric mobility, aerospace, defence, electronics and advanced engineering.

Rare earth permanent magnets are widely used in electric motors, generators, industrial machinery and specialised electronic equipment. These magnets offer high magnetic strength and compact dimensions, making them valuable for applications requiring efficient performance within limited space.

Other critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, titanium and tungsten, are important for battery manufacturing, specialised alloys, aerospace components, industrial equipment and advanced technologies. Their availability influences the development of several emerging manufacturing sectors.

India’s defence industry requires reliable access to strategic materials for producing aircraft systems, electronic equipment, precision components and advanced military technologies. Similarly, the expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy generation and energy storage infrastructure depends on secure supplies of minerals used in batteries, motors and associated equipment.

Strengthening mineral exploration, processing and supply arrangements therefore contributes directly to India’s industrial security and manufacturing capabilities. International partnerships can complement domestic mineral development by providing access to additional resources, specialised technologies and industrial expertise.

NMDC’s engagement with Russian companies fits within this broader national effort to establish diversified and reliable supply chains for strategically important minerals.

National Critical Mineral Mission Strengthens Domestic Exploration

The Government of India is expanding domestic mineral exploration and encouraging investment in critical mineral production under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The programme provides a framework for strengthening exploration, mining, processing, recycling and the development of integrated mineral supply chains.

India has identified 24 minerals as critical and strategic under amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. These minerals include lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten, vanadium, titanium and several other resources important for industrial development and technological applications.

The Ministry of Mines is conducting auctions of critical and strategic mineral blocks to encourage exploration and commercial development. These initiatives aim to attract investment, improve resource availability and establish domestic capabilities in minerals required for advanced industrial applications.

In July 2026, the Ministry announced the eighth tranche of critical mineral block auctions, covering 20 mineral blocks across nine states. The mineral portfolio included rare earth elements, graphite, gallium, titanium, tungsten, lithium, cesium, rubidium and other strategically important resources.

The expansion of domestic exploration is complemented by government initiatives encouraging mineral processing, recycling and the development of new technologies. These measures aim to strengthen India’s participation across the critical minerals value chain rather than limiting domestic capabilities to raw material extraction.

International cooperation with resource-rich countries provides an additional opportunity to support the mission. By combining domestic exploration with overseas partnerships, India is working towards establishing a more resilient mineral supply network capable of supporting future industrial demand.

Russia Energy Week Strengthens India–Russia Industrial Engagement

Russia Energy Week 2026 provided an opportunity for Indian public sector enterprises to engage directly with Russian government institutions and industry representatives. The participation of NMDC, SAIL, MOIL and MECON brought together organisations with complementary expertise in mining, mineral production, steel manufacturing and industrial engineering.

SAIL is one of India’s largest steel producers and plays a major role in supplying steel products for infrastructure, manufacturing and strategic industries. MOIL specialises in manganese ore mining, while MECON provides engineering and consultancy services across the metals, mining, infrastructure and energy sectors.

The participation of these enterprises reflects the interconnected relationship between mineral security, steel production, industrial technology and infrastructure development. Access to mineral resources supports industrial production, while technological partnerships can improve mining efficiency and strengthen downstream manufacturing capabilities.

India and Russia have been expanding industrial cooperation through institutional meetings, business delegations and sector-specific engagements. During INNOPROM India 2026, held in New Delhi in September, the Ministry of Steel highlighted opportunities for cooperation with Russian companies in coking coal, nickel, speciality steel, research and development and advanced steel technologies.

NMDC, SAIL, MOIL and MECON participated in the exhibition, showcasing Indian industrial capabilities and opportunities for international collaboration. The subsequent discussions at Russia Energy Week represent a continuation of these engagements, with greater emphasis on critical minerals, mineral exploration and strategic investment opportunities.

India–Russia Mineral Cooperation Supports Industrial Investment and Technology Development

India and Russia have established a broad framework for economic and industrial cooperation covering energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, engineering and technological development. Critical minerals are becoming an increasingly important component of this relationship as demand grows for materials used in advanced industrial applications.

Cooperation in mineral exploration and resource development can create opportunities for geological assessments, mining projects, mineral processing facilities and industrial technology partnerships. Indian public sector enterprises possess operational experience and technical capabilities that can complement the resources and expertise available through international partners.

For NMDC, potential collaboration with Russian companies would provide opportunities to examine mineral assets, exchange technical knowledge and evaluate investments in strategically important resources. Such partnerships can support the company’s diversification plans while contributing to India’s broader critical mineral security objectives.

The engagement also aligns with efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment under the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both countries have been encouraging greater participation from businesses and public sector enterprises in industrial projects and emerging technology sectors.

Mineral cooperation can further support India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by improving access to raw materials required for indigenous manufacturing. Reliable mineral supplies are particularly important for industries developing sophisticated equipment, clean energy technologies and advanced engineering products.

NMDC’s Strategic Mineral Partnerships Strengthen India’s Resource Security

NMDC’s discussions with Russian companies represent an important step in India’s efforts to diversify critical mineral partnerships and expand access to rare earth elements and other strategic resources. The engagement builds upon government-level cooperation established through the India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation and reflects the growing importance of mineral security in bilateral industrial relations.

The company’s international discussions complement its domestic initiatives, including the partnership with Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation for rare earth exploration and resource development. Together, these engagements demonstrate NMDC’s expanding participation in India’s critical minerals sector.

As India strengthens manufacturing capabilities in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace and defence, secure access to critical minerals will remain essential for sustained industrial growth. The development of diversified mineral supply chains, domestic processing capabilities and technological expertise will support greater self-reliance across these sectors.

India’s continuing engagement with Russia in mineral exploration, mining technologies and industrial investment provides a foundation for strengthening long-term resource security. Through domestic development and international cooperation, NMDC is contributing to India’s efforts to build a resilient mineral ecosystem capable of supporting advanced manufacturing and the country’s broader economic development objectives.

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References

1. NMDC Limited – Official Corporate Communication, October 2026: NMDC’s Engagement at Russia Energy Week 2026
2. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Press Information Bureau – August 7, 2026: 12th Session of India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation Held in New Delhi
3. Ministry of Steel, Press Information Bureau – September 9, 2026: Ministry of Steel Showcases India’s Steel Strength at INNOPROM India 2026
4. NMDC Limited – March 17, 2026: NMDC and GMDC Sign MoU to Unlock Rare Earth Potential
5. Ministry of Steel, Press Information Bureau – April 2, 2026: NMDC Scripts History with Highest-Ever 53 Million Tonne Production Output
6. Ministry of Mines, Press Information Bureau – July 14, 2026: Ministry of Mines to Launch Eighth Tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Block Auctions

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