Policy on initiatives for ensuring stable supply of critical minerals

Country / jurisdiction: Japan · Year: 2023 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

This policy aims to achieve the critical minerals security goals set by the Battery Industry Strategy (2022) for domestic manufacturing capacity, with the following targets:

First, to establish a domestic manufacturing base capable of producing 150 GWh of batteries and their materials annually by 2030. The Japanese Battery Association for Supply Chain v (BASC), a group of Japanese battery manufacturers, estimates that about 100 000 tons of lithium, 90 000 tons of nickel, 150 000 tons of graphite, and 20,000 tons of manganese will be needed annually to achieve the first goal.

Second, for Japanese companies to secure a global manufacturing capacity of 600 GWh of batteries annually in 2030. The BASC estimates that about 380,000 tons of lithium, 310,000 tons of nickel, 60 000 tons of cobalt, 600 000 tons of graphite, and 50,000 tons of manganese are projected to be needed annually to achieve the second goal.

To secure the supply of these minerals, the Japanese government provides subsidies for activities which are useful in securing stable supply chains of critical minerals in accordance with the Economic Security Promotion Act (ESPA).

Specifically, the support will be provided for exploration, feasibility studies, mine development, smelting, and research and development in the field of mining and processing of critical minerals.

Official source: https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/economic_security/metal/torikumihoshin.pdf