Japan PM plans Australia visit over rare earths: report

According to the Nikkei newspaper, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to visit Australia to discuss rare earth elements supply chains and cooperation on safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi’s initiative comes shortly after his government signed the rare earths deal with France, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported on Wednesday.

Japan and other countries are aiming to move away from a supply chain largely dominated by China, the world’s largest producer and supplier of rare earths.

The Nikkei report stated that Japanese and Australian leaders will also discuss the “free and open Indo-Pacific” initiative.

An attempt to reduce dependence on China has allowed Australian miners to strike deals; Lynas agreed a potential rare earth deal with South Korean firm LS Eco Energy last week.

France is among countries prepared to invest in Australia’s critical mining projects, Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King said on Thursday.