Weekly Mining News: on Rare-Earth Mineral

• The Indian government is prioritizing domestic coal production by introducing stricter environmental regulations in its 12th auction round. This initiative aims to reduce dependency on coal imports and enhance energy security. By promoting sustainable mining practices, the government seeks to balance industrial growth with environmental conservation. The move is expected to boost the coal sector while ensuring minimal ecological impact. (Source) Fact: India imports approximately 180 million tonnes of coal annually, making domestic production crucial for energy self-sufficiency.
• Rajasthan is set to establish three specialized organizations dedicated to mining research, exploration, and resource optimization. These institutions will focus on enhancing geological surveys and improving the extraction of key minerals like zinc, lead, and limestone. With Rajasthan being a major hub for zinc production, these initiatives aim to advance technological innovations in the mining sector, ensuring long-term sustainability. (Source) Fact: Rajasthan contributes to nearly 80% of India’s total zinc production, highlighting its strategic importance in the mining sector.
• Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, and uranium, which are vital for the global technology and defense industries. These resources have drawn intense geopolitical interest, with major global players seeking to secure supply chains for these essential raw materials. Given the increasing demand for rare earth minerals in manufacturing batteries, semiconductors, and aerospace components, Ukraine’s mineral wealth could play a key role in shaping the future of global trade and energy security. (Source) Fact: Ukraine holds approximately 3.5 million tonnes of rare earth reserves, making it a critical player in the mineral supply chain.
• India’s iron ore production has seen a steady rise, reaching 236 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024-25, marking a 3.5% increase. The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has reported an 18% increase in its iron ore output in February 2025 alone. However, India’s leading steelmakers have differing views on acquiring iron ore mines, leading to varied strategies in securing raw materials for production. The ongoing debates on royalties, government policies, and private sector involvement highlight the evolving landscape of India’s iron ore industry. (Sources, Livemint, The Hindu) Fact: India holds about 8% of global iron ore reserves, positioning it as a key global supplier.
• The United States is accelerating efforts to approve new copper mining projects to reduce reliance on imports from China and Chile. This move aligns with national security interests and the growing demand for copper in industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, environmental concerns have emerged, with debates on balancing economic benefits with ecological preservation. The U.S. government is under pressure to develop sustainable mining practices while securing essential raw materials for the future. (Source) Fact: The U.S. currently imports around 35% of its total copper requirements, making domestic production a priority.
• India is aggressively expanding its sustainable mining initiatives, focusing on reducing environmental damage while meeting the growing demand for minerals. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s vast rare earth reserves have the potential to shift global supply chains, impacting industries reliant on these critical resources. The U.S. is pushing for greater self-reliance in copper mining to mitigate geopolitical risks and reduce foreign dependencies. The evolving global mining landscape continues to shape economic policies, trade agreements, and industrial strategies worldwide.

Stay tuned for more updates next week!

#Mining #IronOre #RareEarth #SustainableMining #CoalProduction #Geopolitics #NaturalResources