AMJ Aims Stable Rare Metal Supply from Areas Other than China

Shigeo Nakamura, the president of Advanced Material Japan (AMJ), Japanese rare metal trading company, said in an interview by Japan Metal Bulletin that AMJ will try to increase rare metal procurement from other countries than China when Chinese government has strengthened the regulations on its rare metal exports. Mr. Nakamura explained the firm has prepared for the new supply sources as well as to keep the procurement from China. AMJ plans to increase the rare metal purchasing from these new sources.Mr. Nakamura said Chinese government might announce additional export regulations on rare metals in September or December 2008. He expected the regulations could not be loosened with the demand expansion for rare metals in Chinese domestic market. He forecasted the international prices would keep the current high level or surge up more for rare metals used as electronic and functional materials while become weaker for rare metals used as steel making additives.As to the investment plans for overseas rare metal mines, Mr. Nakamura explained AMJ currently has no concrete projects but intends the business in future. The firm will reinforce the administration department at Japanese headquarter and technical staffs including geologists for the future investment projects, he said.