Rare Earth News

Quebec Premier wants to export rare earth to Japan

Quebec Premier Jean Charest says the province is more than ready to supply Japan with all of its rare earth element needs, and is currently on a trade visit to the country to further expand that possibility, the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

Charest will be in Japan for a few days, discussing ideas with politicians and business leaders and hoping to persuade them to take part in the quickly expanding rare earth metals market in Quebec, according to the news source.

"They have major needs," Charest said while in Tokyo. "It's a prosperous country. They are leaders in technology, and, like other countries, they have a private sector that has accumulated a lot of money for investment."

Japan, a leading producer in high-tech applications, has been getting the metals necessary for new-age electronics from China for years, but as the country has limited its exports, Japan is now looking for another provider, the media outlet stated.

Rare earths are extremely valuable, as they are essential for several new technologies. Havells-Sylvania has had to increase its light bulb prices due to a shortage, and having ordered its phosphors from China, is looking to buy elsewhere, according to Lighting UK.