Japan’s Sumitomo Metal, Sojitz look to Southeast Asia for rare earths

Commodities

Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam hold promise for building China-free supply chain

Sumitomo Metal Mining seeks to tap the Philippines’ rare-earth resources to step up production. (Sumitomo Metal Mining)

ARATA SHIGENO and YUI SATO

TOKYO — Japanese companies are targeting Southeast Asia in their efforts to build rare-earth supply chains that do not rely on China, with Sumitomo Metal Mining tapping resources from the Philippines and trading house Sojitz developing mines in Vietnam and Malaysia.