In a move that underscores the growing global demand for rare earth minerals, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has directed his government to launch a nationwide search for these critical resources. The announcement comes amid heightened international competition for rare earth elements, which are essential for modern technologies such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and smartphones.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, emphasized the strategic importance of rare earth minerals during a meeting with government officials. “It is the number one topic today,” he stated, urging his Deputy Prime Minister, Yuri Shuleiko, to prioritize geological exploration. “There are not a lot of them in the earth. Perhaps we have them as much as the others,” Lukashenko added, expressing optimism about Belarus’ untapped potential.
The Belarusian leader also called for increased efforts to locate oil and gas reserves, highlighting the need for energy independence. “We have to dig and explore what deposits we have,” he said, signaling a broader push to strengthen the country’s resource base.
Rare earth minerals, a group of 17 elements including titanium and lithium, are crucial for high-tech industries and have become a focal point in the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. As the world’s largest producer of rare earths, China currently dominates the global supply chain, prompting other nations to seek alternative sources.
The US, under President Donald Trump, has been actively working to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earths. Recent efforts included a proposed deal with Ukraine, where American military aid would be exchanged for access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources. However, the deal fell through after a contentious meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to a pause in US military support for Kyiv.
Belarus’ entry into the rare earth race adds another layer to the complex geopolitical landscape. As a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko’s regime has played a significant role in supporting Moscow’s actions, including its invasion of Ukraine. The exploration for rare earths could further solidify Belarus’ position as a key player in the region’s resource politics.
Analysts suggest that Lukashenko’s initiative reflects a broader trend of nations seeking to secure their own supplies of critical minerals. With the global transition to green energy and advanced technologies accelerating, rare earth elements have become a cornerstone of economic and national security strategies worldwide.