Core Points - The US, Japan, and Europe are urgently seeking stable supplies of rare metals due to potential risks in the production of elements essential for smartphones and electric vehicles (EVs) [1] - Japan is focusing on seabed resources to secure rare metals, particularly in the waters around Minami-Torishima, with plans for experimental mining starting in January 2026 [5][6] - The concentration of production in a few countries poses significant risks, with 36 out of 65 elements classified as "risk elements," primarily rare metals [1][2] Group 1 - 80% of risk elements are produced by China, which has restricted rare earth exports as a countermeasure to US tariffs, impacting companies like Suzuki and Ford [2] - China controls over half of the production of 30 elements, including indium and bismuth, and uses its mineral resources as political leverage [3] - Emerging and developing countries, referred to as the "Global South," hold significant shares of risk elements, with Brazil producing 91% of niobium [3] Group 2 - The production share of iodine used in next-generation perovskite solar cells is nearly 70% controlled by Chile, indicating a trend of resource control beyond China [4] - Indonesia has banned the export of nickel, which accounts for 60% of its production, reflecting a global trend of regulating risk elements [4] - Japan is enhancing technology to extract risk elements from urban mines, particularly from discarded EVs and electronic devices, as a response to the anticipated increase in waste by 2030 [7] Group 3 - The project led by Japan aims to contribute to the supply chain beyond economic benefits, with large-scale mining trials planned for 2027 to recover 350 tons of seabed material daily [6] - Companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining and Nissan are working on recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries and motors from hybrid and electric vehicles, targeting practical applications by around 2030 [7] - The challenges of high costs and insufficient recycling of resources highlight the need for a mechanism to retain resources within Japan, fostering competition and technological advancement [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dominance of China in the production of rare metals, with significant implications for global supply chains and potential risks for industries reliant on these materials [1][5][9]. Group 1: Risk Elements and Production - There are 118 elements that constitute materials, with 65 elements having calculable production shares by country. Among these, 36 are classified as "risk elements," with 30 of them being predominantly produced by China [3][4]. - China is the largest producer of 80% of the identified risk elements, which include critical materials for electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) [5][7]. - The production of certain elements, such as indium (In) and bismuth (Bi), is heavily concentrated in China, with over 70% of the refining share controlled by the country [5]. Group 2: Global Supply Chain Concerns - The article discusses the urgent search by Japan, the US, and Europe for stable supplies of rare metals due to potential supply risks, particularly for materials essential in smartphones and EVs [1][5]. - The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with countries like Indonesia imposing export bans on nickel (Ni), which could further complicate the supply chain for risk elements [7]. Group 3: Japan's Response and Initiatives - Japan is exploring seabed resources around Minami-Torishima Island to secure rare earth elements, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies [8]. - The country is also focusing on urban mining, targeting waste from old appliances and EVs to recover valuable materials like cobalt (Co) and nickel [9]. - A commercial plant for lithium-ion battery recycling is set to be completed by Sumitomo Metal Mining in June 2026, indicating a proactive approach to resource recovery [9].