All articles tagged with #rare earths
A Japanese research vessel sails to Minamitori Island to test lifting rare-earth seabed sludge from 6 km deep, as Tokyo seeks to diversify its supply away from China amid export controls; the month-long test could lead to a full-scale mining trial by 2027 if economics improve, backed by stockpiles and overseas projects to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies of critical minerals.
The Trump administration is pushing Pax Silica, a U.S.-led effort with six allies (Israel, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the United Kingdom) to secure the global AI and tech supply chain—from minerals and energy to semiconductors and logistics—citing China’s dominance in rare earths and Belt and Road influence. Qatar and the UAE are expected to join, with talks underway with the EU, Canada, and Taiwan. The plan rests on four pillars: rebalancing trade, reindustrializing America, securing supply chains, and stabilizing conflict zones through economic tools, all aimed at reducing China’s leverage in AI and technology.
The United States is pressing its G7 partners and other major economies to accelerate cutting reliance on China for rare earths and other critical minerals, citing strategic and market risks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to push the issue with finance leaders, while China’s grip has already seen export restrictions that heighten Western supply concerns. A recent Australia deal aims to ease Beijing’s control via an $8.5 billion project pipeline, but there is currently no joint action expected, with progress described as ongoing but not solved.
Japan is rallying international partners to diversify its access to rare-earth minerals as concerns grow over China’s growing dominance in these critical resources, aiming to shield electronics and green-tech industries from potential supply disruptions.
China has imposed restrictions on exports to Japan, including potential controls on rare earths, escalating tensions amid Japan's military and economic activities, with broader implications for regional stability and global supply chains.
China has imposed immediate bans on certain dual-use exports, including rare earth elements, to Japan, citing Japan's recent comments on Taiwan as a justification, escalating tensions between the two countries amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.
The article discusses potential fractures in China-US relations by 2026, highlighting issues such as China's possible reimposition of export restrictions on rare earths and pharmaceuticals, and its military expansion, which could challenge U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite a deal between the US and China to ease restrictions, China continues to limit raw rare earth materials to the US, hindering America's efforts to develop its own rare earth industry, especially for manufacturing permanent magnets used in various technologies.
President Trump hosted a historic summit with five Central Asian countries at the White House, focusing on diversifying critical mineral supplies, especially rare earths, to reduce dependence on China. The meeting aimed to strengthen US influence in the region, promote economic and security cooperation, and explore resource deals, including a significant investment from Uzbekistan and mineral resource collaborations. The summit also highlighted regional efforts to balance influence from Russia and China amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Greenland is seeking to diversify its economy beyond fishing and subsidies by developing its mining sector, particularly for rare earths, despite challenges like harsh geography, infrastructure issues, and environmental concerns. Several international companies are exploring or developing projects, with hopes of establishing 3-5 mines in the next decade, which could bring economic growth and new opportunities to the region.
The United States is taking steps to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth elements following a trade truce, aiming to strengthen its supply chain and reduce China's influence in this critical sector.
The White House announced a trade truce with China, including Beijing's commitment to lift export restrictions on rare earths vital for U.S. industries and to curb the flow of chemicals used in fentanyl production, though concerns remain about China's commitment to these measures.
Scott Bessent criticizes China's decision to 'fire shots' on rare earths, suggesting it was a significant mistake that could have broader economic and geopolitical repercussions.
Following the Xi-Trump summit in South Korea, China and the US released differing statements on the outcomes, with China providing broader comments and some disagreements on specifics like rare earths and trade measures; key agreements included suspension of certain tariffs, commitments to agricultural purchases, and cooperation on TikTok and fentanyl issues.
During his first meeting with Xi Jinping since January, Trump claimed a win for the US by securing a one-year pause on China's new export controls for critical minerals, but the deal mainly benefits China and reflects China's stronger bargaining position, with ongoing concerns about the impact on industries reliant on rare earths and the broader US-China trade relationship.