Context
India plans to reduce its heavy dependence on China for rare earth minerals by creating rare earth corridors in mineral-rich States. These corridors will support mining, processing, research, and manufacturing of critical minerals needed for high-tech industries.
Corridors
Odisha
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Why?
India imports over 45% of its rare earths from China
China controls 60%+ of global rare earth production and 92% of global refining
Rare earths are crucial for smartphones, EVs, wind turbines, defence systems
What the corridors aim to do
Promote mining, processing, and manufacturing of rare earth elements (REEs)
Build domestic capability so India doesn’t depend on China
Strengthen India’s position in global supply chains
Support industries that need critical minerals for high-tech components
Data in article
India’s rare earth imports rose from $14.1 million (2014) to $17.5 million (2024)
Over 45% of these imports come from China
