Japan to invest in French EV rare-earth project to ease China reliance

PARIS — Japan will invest about 100 million euros ($109 million) in a French rare-earth refining project, looking to reduce its dependence on China for industrial metals that are crucial to electric vehicles and other technologies.

The refining and recycling project is planned by French company Carester. Tokyo will invest through the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Monday.