Putin Says Chinese Investors May Join Major Siberian Copper Project
Vladimir Putin said Chinese investors may join development of a major Siberian copper project. He delivered the remarks in a speech during a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow on October 1, 2026. The same briefing reports that China's domination of rare earths production could soon be challenged after the United States struck a minerals deal with Australia.
Why it matters: The item bears on the critical minerals theme, as Chinese investment is floated for a Siberian copper project while rare earths supply arrangements are being renegotiated elsewhere.