[Japan will subsidize half the cost of lithium and key mineral projects] according to Nikkei Asia, Japan's Ministry of economy, Trade and Industry will subsidize half the cost of Japanese companies' smelting and mine development projects in important minerals such as lithium. The plan aims to ensure raw materials such as lithium and rare earth metals that are critical to electric vehicle batteries and engines. It is reported that the Japan Metal and Energy Security Organization will set up a fund to allocate 105.8 billion yen ($788 million) from the budget of related expenditure to provide support. Lithium, manganese, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earths are the main targets supported.