Japan launches world's first deep-sea rare earth mining test

Japan has begun a test to extract rare earth elements from deep-sea mud near Minamitori Island using the government-backed vessel Chikyu; the government says a full-scale demonstration could follow by February 2027 if the trial is viable.

Japan has launched a test to extract rare earth elements from deep-sea mud near Minamitori Island. The government-backed vessel Chikyu set sail to study seabed deposits at about four miles depth. Tokyo says the project aims to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies amid recent trade and export tensions. The initiative would be the first sustained attempt globally to raise rare-earth-bearing seabed mud directly onto a ship. Key details: - The Chikyu sailed to waters near Minamitori Island to study seabed mud reported to be rich in rare earth elements. - The target seabed lies at about four miles depth; recovered mud would be shipped to Minamitorishima for seawater removal using equipment similar to an industrial spin dryer, reducing volume by about 80%, before transport to mainland Japan for separation and refining. - No production target has been set; authorities plan a full-scale demonstration by February 2027 if the test proves viable. - The government-funded program has spent about ¥40 billion since 2018, and estimated reserves have not been disclosed. - Reports say Beijing recently banned exports of certain dual-use items and began restricting rare earth shipments to Japan; Beijing has neither confirmed nor denied those reports. - The article reports that a Chinese naval fleet entered waters near Minamitorishima in June while a Japanese research vessel was conducting seabed surveys. Summary: The initiative is presented as a step to strengthen Japan's supply security for critical minerals and to reduce dependence on imports. If the trial proves viable, officials plan a broader demonstration by February 2027 to recover the same daily volume of seabed material. The longer-term commercial and environmental outcomes are undetermined at this time.