“The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) has confirmed sufficient reserves of dysprosium and terbium in Namibia in southern Africa in a survey conducted since around 2020.”
“The two elements, which retain magnetic properties even at high temperatures, are considered particularly scarce even among the rare earths.”
“While China dominates their global production, the Japanese government aims to eliminate dependence on the country by the end of 2028.”
“If projects in Africa get on track, Japan is expected to secure enough supply to meet domestic demand when combined with output by Australian and French companies in which JOGMEC and other entities have invested, the sources said.”
“The construction of refining facilities to remove impurities after ore extraction is also being considered, the sources said.”