Japan’s state-backed energy and mining agency is investing up to C$47.7 million ($34 million) in a Namibian heavy rare earths project, accelerating efforts by major industrial economies to reduce their dependence on Chinese critical mineral supply chains. The state-owned Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) has taken an equity stake in TJ Namibia Rare Earths, a special purpose vehicle established by Japanese trading house Toyota Tsusho Corp. to develop the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth Project in northern Namibia. The push comes as Beijing tightens export restrictions on heavy rare earths and related permanent magnet technology critical components used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, and advanced military applications. For Namibia, the capital injection solidifies its position as a primary African destination for clean-energy and strategic mineral investments. The Southern African nation has seen surging international interest across its uranium, lithium, copper, and rare earths reserves as global manufacturers scramble to secure ethically sourced raw materials.