China reinstates rare exports to Japan

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Thursday, 25th November 2010
In General Japan News,

China reinstates rare exports to Japan

China has resumed exporting rare earth minerals to Japan after a two-month cessation.

The exports were stopped following diplomatic disputes between the two nations but Japan's trade minister has confirmed trading has restarted over the last week.

Akihiro Ohato explained that two ships have departed China and are now on route to Japan.

He added: "We hope that other shipments depart as soon as inspections are complete."

Japan has recently investigated new ways of obtaining the rare earth minerals, which are vital in the production of high-tech goods such as computers and mobile phones.

So far, the country has held talks with officials in Vietnam, Mongolia and Australia about the possibility of new mining operations to reduce its reliance on China for the materials.

Japanese trading company Sojitz has confirmed that it is entering into an alliance with Australian-based Lynas - owner of one of the largest rare earth deposits in the world.

Written by Mark Smith .