【SMM Steel】Japan unveils ¥1tr circular economy plan to boost recycling and green metals

Published: Apr 23, 2026 16:47

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【SMM Steel】Japan's METI announced a ¥1tr investment plan by 2030 to expand resource recycling infrastructure, targeting metals, rare earths, plastics, and critical materials to cut import reliance. In steel, Japan aims to add 2 Mt/y of high-quality scrap processing capacity and raise e-waste processing to 500,000 t/y. Recycled materials will account for 40% of Al output, 30% of domestic electrolytic Cu, and 30% of rare earth magnet materials. Japan also targets securing Li, Ni, Co supplies and shares in green steel/low-carbon Al markets.

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