Asger Risom
Kremlin envoy says cooperation with Washington on critical minerals is already underway
Amid rising global demand for rare earth elements and mounting competition with China, the United States and Russia have reportedly begun discussions on joint exploration and development projects in Russian territory.
Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin official and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said that talks with Washington have started on several fronts, including rare earth metals, as reported by Digi24.
“Rare earth metals are an important area for cooperation,” Dmitriev stated, without naming the companies involved or disclosing details of the potential projects. He indicated that further talks could take place as early as mid-April in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Russian delegations are expected to meet.
A Strategic Offer from Moscow
According to the report, the initiative follows a broader proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin to include U.S. participation in the exploration of rare earth deposits as part of a future economic agreement. The move comes shortly after high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine over mineral rights, which have strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Dmitriev, who participated in the previous round of Russia-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia this February, suggested that some American companies have already expressed interest in the Russian projects.
Countering China’s Dominance
The talks reflect the growing geopolitical value of rare earth elements, essential for everything from military systems to electric vehicles and advanced electronics. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to secure alternative supply chains to counter China’s near-monopoly on global production.
While broader U.S.-Russia relations remain tense, this rare moment of potential cooperation underscores the strategic importance both countries place on securing critical materials in an increasingly fractured global landscape.