Japan Strengthens Its Rare Earth Security with Diversification from Australia

In the context of increasing global competition for strategic resources, Japan is intensifying its strategy to secure stable access to key elements in the high-tech industry. Dependence on concentrated sources poses a risk to national supply chains, which is why Japan is seeking to strengthen relationships with alternative suppliers in the Pacific.

Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese trading company, plans to significantly increase its imports of rare earths and mid-to-heavy category elements from Australia. According to information shared by Jin10, the company projects to expand from the current two types of products to a maximum of six by mid-2027. Starting in April, Sojitz will begin marketing samarium from Australia, thereby expanding its portfolio of strategic minerals in the region.

Sojitz Expands Rare Earth Imports from Western Australia

This increase in volumes responds to Japan’s need to source rare earths from multiple producing regions. Western Australia is becoming a primary source due to its extraction capacity and investments in processing infrastructure. The expansion from two to six varieties of elements demonstrates the depth of the commercial commitment between the two countries.

The implementation timeline is gradual but firm. Beginning in April with samarium, the company will continue adding more varieties as it progresses toward 2027. This schedule reflects both supply availability and the Japanese market’s capacity to absorb these materials.

Lynas: Australia’s Key to Strategic Access to Rare Earths

Lynas, Australia’s leading rare earths extraction company, plays a central role in this strategy. With shareholding from Sojitz, Lynas produces these elements at its operations in Western Australia and processes the raw materials at its modern separation and refining complex in Malaysia, which will soon become operational.

This transnational operational structure allows Japan to maintain an integrated and controlled supply chain, reducing vulnerabilities to geopolitical or commercial disruptions. The combination of Australian extraction with Malaysian processing creates logistical efficiencies while ensuring continued access to essential rare earths needed to maintain Japan’s technological competitiveness.