In an era where advanced technologies are pivotal for economic growth, critical minerals and rare earths have emerged as essential components in various industries. Recognizing their significance, the United States and Japan have entered into a collaborative framework aimed at bolstering the supply of these vital resources. This partnership, which involves both nations, is designed to support their domestic industries and ensure the resilience of supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths.
The primary objective of this partnership is to enhance the secure supply of critical minerals and rare earths. Both the U.S. and Japan plan to leverage economic policy tools and coordinated investments to develop diversified and fair markets that cater to these essential resources. By capitalizing on existing mining and processing operations, as well as exploring new capacities, the Participants aim to achieve greater security in their supply chains.
To facilitate the investment needed for mining and processing, the Participants are committed to mobilizing both government and private sector resources. This includes support through grants, loans, insurance, and regulatory facilitation. Together, they will identify key projects that address supply chain gaps for critical minerals and rare earths, encompassing derivative products such as batteries and permanent magnets.
Within six months of initiating this framework, the U.S. and Japan will implement measures to provide financial support for selected projects. This initiative aims to ensure the production of end products that are essential for both markets. The Participants are also looking to develop innovative mechanisms that will help mobilize private capital and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths.
To promote investment in mining, a bilateral Mining, Minerals and Metals Investment Ministerial will be convened within 180 days of this framework's establishment. This forum will facilitate dialogues among stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment. Additionally, the Participants are committed to accelerating and streamlining permitting processes for mining and processing activities related to critical minerals and rare earths, aligning with applicable laws and regulations.
The U.S. and Japan recognize the importance of addressing non-market policies and unfair trade practices that can impact their supply chains. The Participants will work together to create high-standard marketplaces that reflect the true costs of responsible extraction, processing, and trade of critical minerals and rare earths. This effort includes establishing pricing mechanisms to support alternative projects, ensuring that both nations benefit from fair competition.
In an effort to protect national interests, the Participants are dedicated to developing authorities that can review and deter critical minerals asset sales on national security grounds. Furthermore, there is a commitment to investing in minerals recycling technologies, which will aid in managing critical minerals and rare earth scrap, thereby enhancing supply chain diversification.
The U.S. and Japan also plan to engage with other international partners to ensure the security of their supply chains. This collaboration will include geological mapping of mineral resources to support diversified supply chains. Establishing a U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Supply Security Rapid Response Group will allow both nations to address priority minerals and vulnerabilities effectively.
This framework is designed to monitor and review identified projects continuously. The Participants will conduct virtual or in-person meetings at the request of either party within ten days of notification. Should either Participant wish to discontinue their involvement, they can do so with written notice. This framework, while comprehensive, does not create binding legal obligations under domestic or international law.
Signed in Tokyo on October 28, 2025, this agreement signifies a pivotal step toward securing the future supply of critical minerals and rare earths for both the United States and Japan, ultimately fostering stronger industrial bases and technological advancements.
