Japan and India join hands to boost critical mineral recycling

Japan and India are joining forces to bolster their capabilities in recycling critical minerals, including rare earth elements, in a strategic move to lessen their dependence on China. The two nations recently convened their first government-level joint event dedicated to this crucial issue, signaling a deepening of their bilateral cooperation.

Held at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, the event attracted approximately 130 participants, comprising government officials and representatives from the recycling industry. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, Japanese and Indian companies explored potential collaborations. This initiative directly addresses the current global market dominance of China in critical minerals and rare earths, a situation that leaves both Japan and India significantly reliant on imports.

India, in particular, presents a substantial opportunity due to its position as the world's third-largest generator of electronic waste. This vast stream of discarded electronic devices holds significant potential for recovering valuable minerals. By tapping into these underutilized resources, Japan and India aim to establish robust recycling networks. Such networks are envisioned to strengthen their respective supply chains and reduce their vulnerability to external supply disruptions.

Joji Murakami, head of the Indian unit of Honda Trading, highlighted the global competition for these resources. He noted that the Honda group is actively seeking Indian partners in the recycling sector to diversify its supply chains and decrease its reliance on Chinese sources. The joint event underscores a shared commitment to building more resilient and self-sufficient mineral supply chains.

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There is a global scramble for rare earths.