Sojitz Eyes Rare Earths in 3 Southeast Asian Markets to Diversify Supply
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Sojitz Eyes Rare Earths in 3 Southeast Asian Markets to Diversify Supply
4 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Sojitz is scouting Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam as potential new rare-earth sources, widening its search beyond Australia.
The Japanese trading house is pursuing the expansion to raise output and diversify supplies of rare earths, materials in high demand across advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
CFO Makoto Shibuya said the company is also open to investments in India and other countries if suitable rare-earth opportunities emerge.
The search underscores a broader push by Japanese companies to reduce concentration risk in critical-minerals supply chains tied closely to China.
As Japan seeks rare earths in Southeast Asia, can it avoid repeating the environmental crises seen in Myanmar?
Can global efforts truly break China's grip on rare earth refining, or is diversification just a costly illusion?
Will India's policy reforms awaken its 'sleeping giant' status in the global rare earths race against China?