Govt not in talks with China on rare earth

Min of Heavy Industries says govt is monitoring situation and exploring alternative sources for these critical minerals

- DIPAK MONDAL/ARSHAD KHAN @ New Delhi

The government is not currently engaged in talks with Chinese authorities regarding stricter export controls on rare earth minerals — a crucial input in automobile manufacturing, particularly for electric vehicles.

A team of automotive industry is likely to visit China in 2-3 weeks' time to have discussions on restoring supply of these minerals. However, no government representative will be part of the team, said an official in the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Meanwhile, heavy industries minister HD Kumaraswamy told the media that the government is monitoring the situation that has risen due to a disruption in supply of rare earth minerals, and the government is exploring alternative sources for these minerals.