India is working to obtain rare-earth samples from Myanmar’s Kachin Independence Army as it seeks to secure alternative supplies of the resource, which is tightly controlled by China, reported Reuters.
China has significantly limited exports of processed rare earths to strengthen its geopolitical position amid its trade war with the United States, noted Reuters.
Sources familiar with the matter told the news agency that India’s Ministry of Mines asked state-owned and private firms, including IREL and Midwest Advanced Materials, to explore collecting and transporting samples from mines in northeastern Myanmar that are under the control of the rebel group.
India hopes to test the samples in domestic labs to ensure they contain sufficient levels of heavy rare earths that can be processed into magnets used in electronic vehicles and other advanced equipment, according to Reuters’ sources.
The rebels have also agreed to assess if bulk exports to India are possible, according to a KIA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Source: Reuters