Sojitz Begins Import of Heavy Rare Earths from Australia - Diversifying the Supply Chain for Critical Minerals -

Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) has begun the import of heavy rare earths (HREs) produced by Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (“Lynas”) into Japan. Sojitz has previously provided financing to Lynas through loan and equity investment.^*1 Lynas is involved in the mining of rare earth minerals at its Mt. Weld mine operation in Western Australia. This initiative marks the first import^*2 of rare earth products made using ore sourced from Australia that is separated and refined in Malaysia.

Rare earths, known as the “vitamins of modern industry,” can be alloyed with other metals to enhance properties such as magnetic force and durability, which makes rare earths essential raw materials in the production of cutting-edge technologies such as electric vehicles and industrial robots.

Sojitz’s predecessor company, Nissho Iwai Corporation, first began handling rare earths in the 1960s. In 2011, Sojitz concluded an exclusive distribution agreement for Lynas’ light rare earth products in Japan and has since made multiple loan and equity investments in Lynas. In March 2023, Sojitz entered into an agreement with Lynas to secure a supply of dysprosium and terbium, two HREs used in the production of neodymium permanent magnets and other applications for the Japanese market, and Lynas has continued the development of HREs in preparation for industrial-scale production.

Going forward, Sojitz aims to continue to diversify the rare earths supply chain and contribute to the stable supply of these essential materials.

*1: Equity and loans provided through Japan Australia Rare Earth, a special purpose company co-founded by Sojitz and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC)
*2: Research by Sojitz Corporation (as of October 30, 2025)

[Related News Releases]
March 7, 2023 Securing Supply of Heavy Rare Earths to Japan with Additional Investment to Lynas
September 20, 2022 JARE Supports Lynas’ Development with Additional Equity Investment