India Mines Rare Earths in Myanmar Amidst Geopolitical Chess

India is collaborating with Myanmar's Kachin Independence Army to source rare-earth minerals, aiming to reduce its dependency on China. This strategic move is part of India's broader effort to secure rare-earth supplies needed for high-tech industries, against the backdrop of China's dominance in the sector.

In a strategic move to diversify its sources of rare-earth minerals, India is now engaging with Myanmar's powerful Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to secure rare-earth samples, according to insiders.

Tasked by the Ministry of Mines, India's state-run and private enterprises, including IREL and Midwest Advanced Materials, aim to extract and analyze samples from KIA-controlled mines in Myanmar.

This initiative comes as China tightens its grip on rare-earth exports, prompting India to explore new supply routes and enhance its domestic production capabilities for these crucial materials used in modern technologies.

(With inputs from agencies.)