日企为不依赖中国稀土都做了哪些？

Core Viewpoint - Japanese companies are actively seeking to secure rare earth supply chains outside of China, learning from past experiences and focusing on developing alternative technologies and recycling methods to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing [2][6]. Group 1: Investment and Partnerships - JX Metals announced a 5% investment in an Australian rare metals and rare earth mine, with plans for additional funding [4]. - Marubeni also expressed intentions to invest in the same mine, indicating a collaborative effort among Japanese firms to increase their stake [4]. - JX Metals is exploring new rare earth rights beyond Australia, emphasizing the urgency of securing stable supplies for chip materials [4]. Group 2: Historical Context and Challenges - Historically, the U.S. and other countries were the main sources of rare earths until China's emergence as a dominant low-cost producer due to lax environmental regulations [5]. - Japan faces significant challenges in competing with China's overwhelming cost advantages, even with secured rights to rare earths [5]. - The Chinese government implemented export controls on seven types of rare earths in April 2025, forcing Japanese automakers to halt production [5]. Group 3: Technological Innovations and Recycling Efforts - Japanese companies are developing technologies to reduce the need for rare earths, such as Proterial's electric vehicle motors that do not use heavy rare earths [5]. - Companies like Shin-Etsu Chemical are establishing recycling facilities in Japan and Vietnam to reclaim rare earth materials from used products and manufacturing waste [5]. - Collaboration between Shin-Etsu Chemical and Toyota aims to achieve resource recycling for hybrid vehicle motors [5].