Canada and Japan are considering cooperation on critical-minerals projects, with discussions also covering a possible joint stockpiling plan for key metals, Canada’s trade minister told Reuters.

The minister said the goal is to help Japan secure supplies while diversifying away from China’s dominance in the critical-minerals market. The reporting frames the effort as part of broader G7-backed coordination to strengthen supply chains for minerals and rare earths used in areas such as defense, automotive, and clean energy.

Canada and Japan are also described as pursuing commercial deals and partnerships tied to resources and related industrial activity during the period of negotiations, with the stockpiling idea presented as one potential tool among others to reduce supply-chain risk.