日本首次从澳大利亚进口重稀土

Core Viewpoint - Japan has begun importing rare earth elements from Australia, marking its first acquisition of this critical resource from outside China, which is seen as a significant step towards diversifying supply sources for economic security [1][2]. Group 1: Import Details - Sojitz Corporation has started importing dysprosium and terbium from the Mount Weld mine in Australia, with these materials processed in Malaysia before being shipped to Japan [1]. - Lynas Rare Earths, the operator of the Mount Weld mine, received an investment of AUD 200 million (approximately RMB 930 million) from a joint venture established by Sojitz and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) in 2023 [1]. - Lynas will supply up to 65% of the dysprosium and terbium output from the mine, which corresponds to about 30% of Japan's market demand for these elements [1]. Group 2: Economic Security and Cost Implications - Japan views the diversification of supply sources outside of China as a key aspect of its economic security strategy, given that China currently accounts for nearly 70% of global rare earth production, with heavy rare earths almost entirely sourced from China [2]. - The cost of importing rare earths from Australia and the U.S. is expected to be significantly higher than sourcing directly from China, primarily due to the lower concentration of heavy rare earths in ores and the inefficiencies in mining and transportation [2]. - The price of the heavy rare earths imported by Sojitz from Australia is reported to be higher than that of Chinese products [2].