Japan's Sojitz targets Southeast Asia in search of new rare earths supply
2026-05-13 14:48:57 [Print]
Japanese trading company Sojitz Corp. is turning its attention to Southeast Asia and other regions as potential new sources of rare earths outside Australia, a move aimed at raising output and diversifying its supply chain for these highly sought-after materials.
Chief financial officer of Sojitz indicated that regions linked to southern China, such as Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, will be the potential areas for them to explore. He added that India and other countries would also be considered if attractive rare earth investment opportunities emerge there.
Sojitz, together with the government-backed energy agency Jogmec, has maintained a joint venture with Australia's Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. for more than a decade. In mid-March, the partners agreed to begin discussions on mineral exploration and the development of rare earth resources, including potential new mines both in and outside Australia. Sojitz said its main objective is to identify alternative sources beyond Lynas' major mining site at Mt. Weld in Western Australia.
Chief financial officer of Sojitz indicated that regions linked to southern China, such as Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, will be the potential areas for them to explore. He added that India and other countries would also be considered if attractive rare earth investment opportunities emerge there.
Sojitz, together with the government-backed energy agency Jogmec, has maintained a joint venture with Australia's Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. for more than a decade. In mid-March, the partners agreed to begin discussions on mineral exploration and the development of rare earth resources, including potential new mines both in and outside Australia. Sojitz said its main objective is to identify alternative sources beyond Lynas' major mining site at Mt. Weld in Western Australia.
