Japan Launches World-First Deep-Sea Mining Mission

Japan Launches World-First Deep-Sea Mining Mission Near Minamitori Island to Secure Rare Earths and Cut Dependence on China

Japan took a bold step toward securing critical minerals on Monday as a government-backed deep-sea mining vessel set sail on a pioneering mission to extract rare earth–rich mud from the ocean floor near the remote Minamitori Island, highlighting Tokyo’s growing...
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

Washington warns China over rare earth exports as Trump administration mulls tariff hike

The United States signaled a tougher stance toward China on Sunday (Nov 2), warning that tariffs could be raised again if Beijing fails to honor its commitments on rare earth exports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration is...
China rare earths

China’s Rare Earths Strategy: How China’s Subtle Supply Chain Tactics Keep Global Industries Hooked

China continues to dominate the global rare earths supply chain, leveraging its influence not through overt export bans but via a more subtle system of licensing delays, quota management, and administrative control. While partner economies have learned much since the...