India is currently in discussions with Australia to get access to rare earth minerals, according to an Australian trade official. This is happening at a time when there’s a global shortage of rare earth magnets, mainly due to China’s export limits.
Malini Dutt, who is the Trade and Investment Commissioner for New South Wales, Australia, said that both countries are talking about the possibility of India taking over some early-stage rare earth mining blocks in Australia. She added that this could lead to partnerships with Australian companies working in the sector.
Besides rare earths, Indian companies both private and government-owned are also showing strong interest in copper mines in Australia. Dutt shared these updates while speaking at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, hosted by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).
“There’s a lot of interest in copper too,” she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. “I’ve spoken to both private companies and a public sector unit (PSU) that are actively looking for copper blocks. India already has smelting capacity, and companies like Adani have invested heavily in this space.”
She explained that Australia has a good supply of copper, and with Indian industries looking to expand, it makes sense for them to explore opportunities there.
China’s rare earth export curbs hit auto, appliance industries
China’s decision to limit exports of rare earth elements and magnets is starting to impact several industries in India, especially the automobile and home appliance (white goods) sectors.
China currently holds more than 90 per cent of the world’s processing capacity for these high-tech magnets, which are vital in products ranging from cars and refrigerators to wind turbines and smartphones.
Some of the key rare earth materials affected by the restrictions include:
- Samarium
- Gadolinium
- Terbium
- Dysprosium
- Lutetium
These elements are critical for making things like:
- Electric vehicle motors
- Braking systems
- Mobile phones
- Even advanced defense equipment like missiles
With China tightening its grip on exports, many countries, including India, are now looking for alternative sources such as Australia to secure these essential materials and reduce dependence on one supplier.