Total investments by business and the government in the exploration of rare and rare earth metals (REE) in Russia will increase 1.9 times in 2026 — from 2.19 to 4.15 billion rubles. This data was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources to RIA Novosti. The government will allocate 659.8 million rubles, and subsoil users — 3.49 billion rubles. In 2025, government investments in REE exploration increased 2.2 times, while private business reduced investments by 24%. In 2026, 101.6 billion rubles will be allocated for gold exploration — 13% more than in 2025.
Rare earth metal exploration: investment dynamics
In 2025, total investments in REE exploration amounted to 2.19 billion rubles. The government invested 570.9 million rubles — a 2.2-fold increase compared to 2024. Business — 1.615 billion rubles — a decrease of 24%. In 2026, the ratio changes: business sharply increases investments to 3.49 billion rubles, while government funding increases moderately — to 659.8 million rubles.
Gold exploration: 101.6 billion rubles in 2026
In 2025, total investments in gold exploration amounted to 89.88 billion rubles: the government — 815.4 million rubles (a decrease of 20% compared to 2024), subsoil users — 89.06 billion rubles (an increase of 38%). In 2026, the government will allocate 993.9 million rubles, and companies — 100.57 billion rubles. In total — 101.6 billion rubles, plus 13% compared to 2025. In January, the Ministry of Natural Resources estimated the increase in gold reserves in Russia for 2025 at more than 600 tons.
Investments in exploration of strategic raw materials in 2026
- Rare and rare earth metals — total: 4.15 billion rubles (1.9-fold increase)
- Of which government: 659.8 million rubles
- Of which business: 3.49 billion rubles
- Gold — total: 101.6 billion rubles (13% increase)
- Of which government: 993.9 million rubles
- Of which business: 100.57 billion rubles
The sharp increase in private investments in REE — from 1.6 to 3.5 billion rubles — shows that business is returning to this segment after the decline in 2025. The context is clear: the global shortage of rare earth metals against the backdrop of growing demand from electric vehicle manufacturers and the defense industry makes the exploration of new deposits strategically and commercially attractive.
