Russia discovers previously unknown rare-earth mineral as US, China intensify race for Africa’s critical minerals

The mineral, provisionally identified as Kola Ashcroftine, was discovered in Russia’s Khibiny alkaline massif by researchers from Saint Petersburg State University, the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum.

Scientists say the mineral contains yttrium and other rare-earth elements, alongside calcium, manganese and fluorine.

Its unusual crystal structure could have potential applications in ion-exchange technologies and advanced materials, although the discovery remains at the research stage and does not yet represent a commercial rare-earth deposit.

The discovery comes as Russia seeks to develop its own rare-earth industry and reduce its dependence on imports. Despite having substantial estimated reserves, Russia’s domestic production remains limited.

Recent data cited by Reuters showed Russia consumes around 3,000 tonnes of rare-earth metals annually but produces only about 50 tonnes, leaving it heavily dependent on imports.

The Russian development comes against a broader global scramble for critical minerals, with Africa emerging as an increasingly important battleground.

China has established a significant presence across Africa’s mineral supply chains, including mining, processing, infrastructure and financing. The United States, meanwhile, is increasingly seeking alternative sources of critical minerals as Washington attempts to reduce its dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.

The competition is already producing concrete deals.

The U.S. has been pursuing partnerships and investment opportunities in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Guinea, targeting copper, cobalt, rare earths and other minerals considered strategically important to advanced manufacturing and defence.

Reuters reported in February that Washington was using offtake agreements and state-backed financing to compete with China for African mineral supplies.

The Lobito Corridor, linking mineral-producing areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast, has become one of the most visible examples of this competition, with the U.S. supporting infrastructure designed to facilitate the movement of critical minerals to global markets.

China, however, retains a substantial advantage because its involvement extends beyond extracting minerals to processing and refining, giving Chinese companies influence over critical stages of the supply chain.

Africa’s appeal is driven by its substantial reserves of minerals needed for electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence systems and other advanced technologies. Countries across the continent are seeking to attract investment while increasingly pushing for local processing rather than simply exporting raw ore.

Russia’s rare-earth strategy adds another layer to this competition.

Moscow is seeking to increase domestic rare-earth production and develop processing capacity, while also exploring partnerships with African mineral producers. Russia’s interest in Africa’s resources therefore extends beyond traditional energy and precious minerals into the strategic materials increasingly shaping global industrial competition.

For African countries, the growing involvement of China, the US and Russia could create opportunities to attract competing sources of capital, technology and infrastructure.

But the emergence of more buyers also raises questions about whether African governments can secure greater value from their mineral wealth by negotiating processing, technology transfer and local manufacturing alongside mining rights.

The newly discovered Russian mineral is unlikely to alter global rare-earth supply in the immediate term. Its significance lies more broadly in highlighting the growing strategic importance of rare-earth elements and the increasingly competitive global environment in which Africa’s critical-mineral resources are being pursued.