Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government of the Russian Federation to prepare a road map for the exploitation of rare earth metals, which are of crucial importance for the global high-tech industry, by December 1.
According to a document published on the Kremlin’s official website, Putin instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to simultaneously take measures to develop transport infrastructure along the borders with China and North Korea.
Rare metals, which are widely used in the production of electric cars, smartphones and military equipment, have become a key factor in the geopolitical battle between world powers. Moscow, in the context of the growing rivalry between the US and China, seeks to secure a stronger position in this strategic sector.
Let us remind you that in April, US President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Ukraine, which gives the US preferential access to contracts on the exploitation of Ukrainian minerals and the possibility of investing in the reconstruction of the country. Russia previously expressed interest in cooperating with Washington on similar projects, but those initiatives were suspended due to the war in Ukraine.
China, which currently dominates the world’s production of rare metals, responded to US tariffs this year by restricting their exports, which further shook the global market.
Putin’s latest order, which stems from the conclusions of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, does not list specific projects, but orders the development of “multimodal transport and logistics centers” on the borders with China and North Korea.
The plan includes the existing two railway bridges between Russia and China, as well as a new bridge to North Korea, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
China and North Korea have recently been intensifying economic ties with Moscow, especially after the West imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reports.
(Vijesti.ba)
