Japan extracts rare earths at record ocean depth

Yesterday 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Japan extracts rare earths at record ocean depth

Japan announced Monday it has successfully retrieved sediment rich in rare earth elements from 6,000 meters under the Pacific Ocean, achieving the world's first extraction of these strategic minerals at such extreme depths. The breakthrough comes as Tokyo aims to cut heavy reliance on Chinese imports amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

The deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu collected samples near the remote Minami Torishima coral atoll, about 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo in Japan's exclusive economic zone. Government spokesperson Kei Sato called the recovery "a significant achievement for both economic security and global maritime development," adding that further analysis will determine the exact rare earth quantities in the samples.

Seabed areas around Minami Torishima hold over 16 million tons of rare earth elements, ranking among the world's largest known reserves, according to Nikkei economic daily. The deposits are rich in heavy rare earths like dysprosium vital for high-performance magnets in smartphones and electric vehicles enough for about 730 years of global demand, and yttrium for lasers, covering roughly 780 years.

"If Japan can reliably and continuously extract rare earths from around Minami Torishima, it will establish a domestic supply chain for key industries," Takahiro Kamisuna, associate researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told AFP. "It would also be a major strategic asset for the Takaichi administration to sharply reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains."

Japan has invested about 40 billion yen ($250 million) in the project since 2018. If ongoing trials succeed, large-scale mining tests are slated for February 2027, aiming to eventually bring up around 350 tons of rare earth-laden mud daily.

The mission gains urgency amid worsening Sino-Japanese ties. Beijing restricted exports of rare earths and dual-use goods to Japan following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November remarks suggesting a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt Japanese military response. China controls nearly two-thirds of global mining output and about 90% of refined production.

Japan currently imports 60-70% of its rare earths from China, down from 90% after 2010 export halts during a prior dispute. "The key is producing rare earths within Japan itself," said Takahide Kiuchi, chief economist at Nomura Research Institute.

Shoichi Ishii, program director at Japan's National Seabed Innovative Development Platform, stressed: "This is about economic security. The country must secure a rare earth supply chain. Whatever the cost, industry needs it."