The purpose of Taro Akiyama's visit to Vietnam is rare earth minerals
As reported by Kyodo News on May 5: Taro Akiyama has arrived in Vietnam for a visit. Vietnam is believed to possess the world's largest reserves of rare earth mineral deposits.
According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for 2025, Vietnam holds 3.5 million tons of buried rare earth mineral resources.
The article states that due to a lack of refining technology, Japan had previously sent experts to Vietnam in the 2010s to assist in developing refining capabilities. With China’s export controls now in place, countries possessing rare earth mineral resources such as Vietnam are once again drawing international attention.
After joint investigations, Japan and Vietnam agreed in 2011 to jointly develop a deposit located in the northwest region, which contains light rare earth elements such as cerium. Japanese companies undertook development and refining operations. However, due to high costs leading to financial losses, commercialization was eventually abandoned.
According to USGS data, Vietnam ranks sixth globally in terms of rare earth mineral reserves. As tensions between China and the United States intensify, companies from South Korea, the United States, and Australia have begun investing in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Vietnam tightened restrictions on the export of rare earth ores in December of last year, aiming to promote the advancement of domestic smelting technologies.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864052037427274/
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