Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. says it plans to build a new rare-earth refinery in Japan, aiming to strengthen and stabilize its supply of rare-earth-related products used in magnets. Bloomberg reports the project is part of broader efforts by companies outside China to diversify rare-earth supply chains. The Japan Times adds that the refinery will be Shin-Etsu’s third plant in Fukui Prefecture. A spokesperson for the company says the new facility is intended “to ensure a stable supply of rare-earth-related products and magnets,” without citing specific output volumes or timelines. The reports indicate the investment is motivated by supply security concerns in the rare-earth sector, which remains heavily concentrated in China for processing and refining. Taken together, the sources describe the refinery as a domestic step by a major Japanese magnet maker to reduce reliance on external refining capacity and support continuity of supply for its downstream rare-earth magnet business. Details on construction start dates, capacity, cost, and the specific rare-earth elements targeted are not provided in the excerpts.