Japan, US to agree joint development of critical minerals this week, Nikkei says
Published on March 17, 2026.
Japan and the United States are set to agree to jointly develop ‘rare earths, lithium and copper at a summit, according to the Nikkei Business Daily. The projects include a rare earth refining operation in Indiana and the development of a lithium mine in North Carolina. These efforts are part of a broader effort to secure supply chains of these critical minerals. Japanese firms Mitsubishi Materials (5711.T) and Mitsui & Co are expected to participate in the projects.
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