Japan's Ocean Research and Development Agency (JAMSTEC) announced that seabed mud extracted near Minamitorishima Island contains medium-heavy rare earths essential for high-tech manufacturing. The drilling ship 'Chikyu' retrieved approximately 50 tons of mud from 6,000 meters depth in the island's exclusive economic zone in January. Analysis confirmed 54% of rare earth content consists of medium-heavy varieties used in electric vehicle motors and semiconductors. The discovery supports Japan's economic security strategy to reduce dependence on China, which controls 70% of global rare earth mine production.
JAMSTEC Confirms 54% Medium-Heavy Rare Earth Composition in Seabed Mud
Domestic analysis facilities determined that 54% of rare earths in the retrieved mud are medium-heavy varieties, while the remaining 46% are light rare earths such as neodymium. JAMSTEC stated that medium-heavy rare earths are primarily used in magnets for electric vehicle motors. The highest recovered element was yttrium, used in semiconductors and defense applications, followed by gadolinium for nuclear reactor control materials and dysprosium for electric vehicle components. The agency did not disclose total rare earth weight or concentration levels.
Japan Plans February Full-Scale Trial Mining at Minamitorishima
The government will conduct a full-scale trial mining operation starting in February next year for approximately one month. The process involves transporting seabed mud to Minamitorishima Island, then shipping dehydrated mud to mainland Japan for separation, refining, and smelting procedures. Officials will verify the complete domestic production chain for rare earths. The Cabinet Office and related agencies plan to complete a comprehensive cost-benefit evaluation by the end of fiscal 2027, targeting industrialization after fiscal 2028.
Discovery Addresses Japan's Rare Earth Supply Security Amid China Dominance
The trial mining project is part of the Cabinet Office's Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) and represents the world's first seabed rare earth trial mining initiative. SIP project leader Shoichi Ishii stated at a press conference that the team confirmed technology for continuously retrieving deep-sea rare earth mud to ships while minimizing environmental impact on the deep-sea ecosystem. Minamitorishima is located approximately 1,950 kilometers from Tokyo, requiring infrastructure development before commercial production becomes viable.
FAQ
What did Japan discover near Minamitorishima Island?
Japan's JAMSTEC confirmed that seabed mud extracted from 6,000 meters depth near Minamitorishima Island contains medium-heavy rare earths, with analysis showing 54% medium-heavy varieties including yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium used in electric vehicles and semiconductors.
When will Japan conduct full-scale trial mining for rare earths?
Japan plans to start full-scale trial mining in February next year for approximately one month, with the process involving transportation to Minamitorishima Island and subsequent shipment to mainland Japan for refining and evaluation.
