Japan plans to send a delegation to Greenland to evaluate the potential for rare earth extraction. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Reuters.
According to the Nikkei newspaper, the Japanese government intends to dispatch a team of experts to study rare earth deposits in Greenland. This step is aimed at reducing Japan's dependence on rare earth elements and diversifying supply chains.
Rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing high-tech products, including electric vehicles and weapons systems. Currently, the majority of global rare earth production is dominated by China, exposing other countries to supply risks.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, holds significant rare earth deposits. However, extraction may face challenges due to environmental concerns and potential opposition from local communities.
The Japanese delegation's visit is focused on assessing the technical and economic feasibility of developing Greenland's rare earth resources. This is part of Japan's broader efforts to enhance energy security and secure access to strategically important materials.