Japan, USA, Europe to Talk Rare Earth Issues

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced on Monday they hold first work shop on rare earth with government officers and specialist from Japan, USA and Europe on October 4 and 5 in Washington DC. They, markets of whom represent more than 80% of the world consumption, exchange the information for stable supply of the strategic metal.

They discuss consumption reducing effort of the metal, development effort of alternative materials and recycling technology development effort. They eye potential joint research and development projects while they seek possibility for joint effort to secure stable supply.

METI tries to appeal joint consumption reduction efforts by consumer side through international cooperation while METI expects the tight supply situation could improve when China represents more than 90% of world production of rare earth.

Japanese delegations include Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki to United States and officials of METI. US and European officials also attend the meeting. METI holds next work shop in Japan in spring 2012.