Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has jumped on the rare earth metal bandwagon and called for intensified efforts to explore and develop deposits within the country, Vedomosti reported on March 4. 

Lukashenko said domestic exploration initiatives were a high priority. "We need to dig, we need to look." He ordered the relevant ministries to conduct comprehensive surveys for other essential resources, including chemicals, natural gas and oil. 

By investing in the exploration and potential development of these resources, Belarus aims to bolster its economic sovereignty and reduce dependence on external suppliers, Lukashenko said. 

This initiative aligns with Belarus's broader strategy to diversify its industrial base and enhance self-reliance in critical sectors. The successful identification and exploitation of rare earth metal deposits could position Belarus as a significant player in the global supply chain of these essential materials.​

Currently the US Geological Survey (USGS) does not list any significant deposits of rare earth metals but does have deposits of critical minerals. These include:

·       Potash: Belarus is one of the world's largest producers of potash, a key ingredient in fertilisers. The state-owned company Belaruskali is among the top global suppliers.

·       Oil Shale: The country has oil shale reserves, which could be a potential alternative energy source.

·       Peat: Large peat deposits are used for energy and agriculture.

·       Iron Ore: Small reserves exist but are not widely exploited.

·       Dolomite and Limestone: Used in construction and industrial applications.

Ukraine is currently negotiating a minerals deal with the US, but while it has considerable mineral resources, it doesn’t have any rare earth metals. 

President Vladimir Putin has also jumped on the same bandwagon and proposed joint exploration of Russia's rare earth metals deposits and the supply of aluminium to the US. Russia has the fourth largest reserves of rare earth metals in the world, according to the USGS.