Japan finds rare earth elements in deep-sea mud, could reduce China reliance

Japan has made a significant discovery of rare earth elements in deep-sea mud near Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean, a development that could enhance the country's mineral supply security. The deposits contain yttrium, gadolinium and dysprosium, which are vital for electric vehicles, semiconductors and aerospace technologies.

Strategic Importance

The discovery is part of Japan's broader strategy to reduce dependence on China, which has tightened export controls on heavy rare earth elements used in advanced manufacturing and military applications. Officials said the initial survey covered only a limited area, and further exploration is needed to determine the full scale of the deposits. The total size of the mineral reserves has not been disclosed.

Future Plans

Japan plans to launch a large-scale trial mining operation in the same area by February 2027, aiming to extract approximately 350 tonnes of seabed mud per day for processing and evaluation. The move could strengthen Japan's position in the global supply chain for critical minerals.