Japan Discovers Rare Earths Near Minamitorishima Island to Reduce China Dependency
Japan has confirmed that more than 50 percent of the rare earth elements found in deep-sea mud near Minamitorishima island consist of critical middle and heavy rare earths, according to data released by the Cabinet Office.
The Supply Chain Vulnerability and Fiscal Stakes
The concentration of deposits found in the seabed mud off Minamitorishima offers a potential domestic buffer against geopolitical trade restrictions and price volatility.
Prime Minister noted that the administration is actively committed to strengthening supply chain resilience in response to the multiple rare earth deposits identified in the seabed surveys.
Operational Milestones and the 2027 Extraction Trial
Recent exploratory efforts yielded substantial physical evidence, including the recovery of 50 tons of rare earth-rich mud from the deep sea near Minamitorishima. This retrieval validates prior geological models and provides the Cabinet Office with sufficient material for comprehensive metallurgical analysis. The upcoming 2027 large-scale trial will test commercial viability, pumping efficiency, and environmental safeguards at depth.