Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corporation has partnered with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to advance a heavy rare earth project in Namibia, reinforcing efforts to secure critical mineral supplies beyond China, as reported by Reuters.
The collaboration will focus on developing deposits rich in dysprosium and terbium, key elements used in electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, and advanced defence technologies. JOGMEC is expected to provide financial backing and technical support, while Toyota Tsusho will play a central role in project development and future offtake.
The move reflects Japan’s broader strategy to diversify supply chains for rare earth materials, reducing reliance on Chinese exports, which currently dominate global production. Namibia, with its growing portfolio of mineral discoveries, is increasingly positioned as a strategic alternative hub for these resources.
If successfully executed, the project could strengthen global supply resilience for heavy rare earths while elevating Namibia’s role in the fast-growing clean energy and advanced manufacturing value chain.
