January 12, 2026

Japan launches world’s first deep-sea rare earth mining test

Tokyo has begun a seabed mining trial near Minamitori Island as it seeks to cut reliance on Chinese rare earth supplies.

January 11, 2026

Japan sets sail on rare earth hunt as China tightens supplies

The month-long mission of the test vessel Chikyu near Minamitori Island will mark the world's first attempt to continuously lift rare-earth seabed sludge.

January 11, 2026

US to push for quicker action in reducing reliance on China for rare earths

Aside from Japan, G7 members remain heavily dependent on critical minerals from China, which has threatened to impose strict export controls.

January 9, 2026

Bessent says Australia, India invited to G7 meeting on critical minerals

Bessent said he had been pressing for a separate meeting on the issue since last summer's summit of G7 leaders.

January 9, 2026

Japan seeks support as fears rise over China’s rare earth grip

The impact of China’s latest move is still unclear, but existing export controls have already lengthened the time required to procure rare earth magnets.

January 9, 2026

IPO of India’s top coking coal miner oversubscribed on first day

Bharat Coking Coal's $118.7 million IPO drew bids for 1.72 billion shares, nearly five times the shares on offer.

January 9, 2026

Pan Pacific hikes 2026 Japan copper premium to record $330/t

Like their global peers, Japanese copper smelters are contending with tumbling TC/RCs.

January 8, 2026

China-Japan rare earth spat curbs exports

Analysts said the economic fallout for Japan could be severe.

January 8, 2026

Nickel price extends drop amid lack of detail on Indonesia output cuts

Three-month futures declined as much as 5.9% on the London Metal Exchange.

January 8, 2026

Philippine central bank gold holdings jump 70% in 2025 to record

Gold holdings rose to an all-time high of $18.6 billion at end-2025, according to central bank data.