In Order To Smooth The EV Transition, Japan Begins To Explore Africa To Find Cobalt And Lithium

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The Japanese government has planned innovative collaboration with several countries in Africa to secure an important supply of battery raw materials on the way to electrification. This step is aimed at ensuring materials such as the crucial cobalt and lithium in the production of electric vehicles.

According to a report from Nikkei Asia on Wednesday, August 2, the countries included in this cooperation plan are Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and Namibia.

This cooperation plan has been carefully designed by Japan, and is expected to start this year. Through this project, the Japanese government seeks to explore economic potential through the use of important mineral resources.

The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (Jogmec) will cooperate with Zambia in a memorandum of understanding. Furthermore, Jogmec will formulate a joint work plan for the Republics of Congo and Namibia, based on the initial agreement that has been reached.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yasutoshi Nishimura, also took an important role in this move. He plans to visit three African countries, including Angola and Madagascar, in a series of eight-day visits this August.

Although this step was initiated by the government, it would have a major impact on private investment. So far, private companies are reluctant to be involved in projects like this because they require large capital and face significant risks.

This move is expected to help develop resources in Africa and stimulate investment interest from the private sector. Japan and Namibia will jointly explore the African region to look for essential mineral ingredients such as cobalt, copper, and nickel.

Not only focusing on cobalt materials, but the Republic of Congo has high potential for copper and lithium content. The country is also a key player in controlling up to 70 percent of the global supply of cobalt.

Japan is now actively involved in mining development in Africa as part of the first step to ensure the necessary supply of mineral resources. The need for raw materials such as cobalt and nickel is getting higher in line with the increasing production of electric vehicles. Currently, the electric vehicle market is dominated by many countries such as China.