G-7 to Cut Dependence on Critical Minerals from China

Tokyo, Nov. 1 (Jiji Press)–Energy and environment ministers from the Group of Seven major powers have agreed to reduce dependence on existing supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals that are currently dominated by China. The G-7 ministers said they will work to “reduce and eventually eliminate our dependence on critical minerals supply chains dominated by non-market policies and practices,” according to a statement adopted at a two-day meeting that concluded in Toronto, Canada, on Friday. According to the Japanese industry ministry, the latest statement did not refer to plans to phase out coal-fired power plants, which were included in a ministerial statement from last year’s meeting. In this year’ statement, the G-7 ministers said they are committed to using trade measures and investment policies to reduce dependence on critical minerals supply chains controlled by non-market policies. The statement also underlined the importance of increased public and private investment and greater workforce development in this area. The ministers also agreed to enhance energy security, highlighting the importance of increased investment in electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand. They also referred to natural gas as a fuel. This year’s statement did not include the abolition of coal-fired power generation, for which no emission reduction measures have been implemented, against the backdrop of a review of decarbonization policy by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]