The Japanese frameworks of the supply and demand for rare metals are very fragile. Examining the volatile market for rare metals since 1980, we can see two different factors causing the collapse of the market balance. The first is the rapid growth of high-tech industries in developed countries. Recently the prices of Ta and In raised more than five times compared with usual price. They were caused by temporary imbalance between the rapid burst of consumptions of mobile phone (tantalum capacitor) and liquid crystal television (flat panel display) and speed up production in conjunction with the rise in demand. Other similar volatile markets often occurred. The second is the resource nationalism in developing countries. For example, China accounts for 97% of world's rare-earth production, and it controls the global market. Rare earth prices are continuing to rise since 2010 by Chinese stringent quotas. Especially the rises in terbium and europium prices have been staggering.
This article proposes as follows.
1) First, the short-term (0-5 year period) strategy for rare metals focused both on supply and demand side is framed. Based on this strategy new supply lines must be carried on.
2) Considering extremely uneven metal productions it is necessary to diversify rare metals sources in order to lessen the high degree of dependence. Chinese shares of many commodities such as tantalum, bismuth, indium and silicon exceed 50% of world production. Most of platinum and palladium were produced from two countries, South Africa and Russia. About 50% of cobalt production depends on Dispute place Copper Belt. Occasionally, diversification has more important priority than cost benefit.
3) It is essential to create a new strengthen organization to carry out the strategy for securing rare metals in Japan mentioned above. The organization is needed to integrate the systems of raw material--intermediate product--finished product.
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