Japan mulls stockpiling rare earths, diversifying source from China.

Text of report in English by Japan's largest news agency Kyodo

Tokyo, Oct. 1 Kyodo - Japan unveiled Friday a set of policies to secure rare earth minerals that includes studying stockpiling and diversifying supply source away from China in the wake of stalled imports amid heightened bilateral tensions over maritime collisions last month.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akihiro Ohata said stalled import of rare earth elements, widely believed to be China's de facto embargo, "reminded us of the need to craft a long-term strategy to procure rare earths." The policies also include accelerating the development of alternative resources and technology to reduce the use …