Japan PM plans Australia visit over rare earths: report

Japan and other countries have been aiming to diversify away from the supply chain largely dominated by China, the world's ⁠largest rare ‌earths ​producer and supplier.

The Japanese and Australian leaders ​will also discuss ‌the "free and open Indo-Pacific" initiative, the ​Nikkei report said.

The attempt to lessen dependence on China has allowed Australian miners ​to ​secure deals, with ​Lynas agreeing a potential rare ‌earths deal with South Korean firm LS Eco Energy last week.

Australian Minister for Resources Madeleine King said on Thursday that France was among the countries ​that were set to invest in Australian critical ​mineral projects.