To Ensure Stable Supplies of the Resources of Rare Metals

Abstract

Rare metals are essential for advanced industries, but, in Japan, almost all natural resources of rare metals are imported. Therefore, to ensure stable supplies of rare metals is very important. In this paper the current conditions of the resources related to rare earths, tungsten, lithium, cobalt and platinum group metals are explained. So far, in cases of rare earths and tungsten the resources have been mainly based on the import from China. The import routes of the resources of lithium, cobalt and platinum are also limited. Therefore, to increase the countries from which the resources are imported will be necessary with the promotion of recycling, development of alternative materials and enhancing of stockpiling.