Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Vice Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Hongzhong on the sidelines of Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, September 4, 2025.
Putin made the statement during his opening remarks at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum, which took place in Vladivostok. He emphasized the importance of rare earth metals in modern technologies and highlighted the need for a structured approach to ensure their effective utilization.
According to available data, Russia holds the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth metals. These materials are vital for a wide range of applications, including advanced manufacturing processes, lasers, and specialized equipment. The development of this sector has been identified as a priority to support technological and industrial advancement.
In his remarks, Putin noted that a comprehensive program would allow Russia to strengthen its position in rare earth production. He underscored that the initiative should aim to create conditions for sustainable growth and establish long-term strategies for exploration, extraction, and processing.
The announcement also reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to enhance domestic output of these resources. By increasing production capacity, the country intends to expand the use of its own reserves to meet demand in industries that rely heavily on rare earth elements.
At the forum, discussions also touched on broader economic opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, where rare earth development is viewed as one of the areas with significant growth potential. Industry representatives and government officials outlined measures to encourage investment and partnerships in this sector.
The new program, once presented, is expected to provide a framework for resource management and project implementation. It is designed to ensure that production aligns with market needs while supporting national development objectives.
Putin’s directive sets a clear timeline, requiring the government to finalize its proposals by November. The plan will form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Russia’s resource-based industries and reinforce their role in global markets.
By prioritizing rare earth metals, Russia is signaling its intention to develop an industry that is increasingly critical for modern technology and industrial applications. The outcome of this program may shape the country’s future role in the supply of these materials over the coming years.
