Core Insights - Sojitz Corporation has begun importing rare earth elements from Australia, marking Japan's first procurement of these critical materials from outside China [1][3] - The imported materials, specifically dysprosium and terbium from the Mount Weld mine in Western Australia, will be processed in Southeast Asia before being shipped to Japan [1][3] Group 1: Investment and Supply Chain - Lynas Rare Earths, the operator of the Mount Weld mine, received a 200 million AUD investment from a joint venture between Sojitz and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) [3] - Lynas will supply up to 65% of dysprosium and terbium from the Mount Weld mine to Japan [3] Group 2: Economic Security Concerns - Japan's move to diversify its rare earth supply chain is driven by deep concerns over "economic security," particularly after China announced export restrictions on dysprosium, terbium, and other rare earth elements [3][5] - The reliance on Chinese rare earths has led to production halts in Japanese factories, including those of Suzuki and Ford [3] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Japan is actively working to establish a supply chain that does not depend on Chinese rare earths, with recent agreements made during the Japan-U.S. meeting to create a stable rare earth procurement framework [5] - JOGMEC has also invested approximately 100 million euros in a rare earth processing project planned by French company Caremag [5] Group 4: Challenges and Costs - China controls nearly 70% of global rare earth production, and in the more technologically advanced heavy rare earth sector, this figure approaches 100%, indicating significant challenges for Japan in terms of technology and cost [5] - The logistics of transporting rare earths from Australia and the U.S. to Southeast Asia for processing before returning to Japan will increase costs significantly compared to direct imports from China [5] - The low concentration of heavy rare earths in ores and the complexity of the extraction process further elevate the final product prices [5]