Wednesday, February 4, 2026-Japan has successfully retrieved rare earth‑rich mud from the deep seabed in a groundbreaking test mission, stepping up its efforts to break dependence on China for critical minerals.
Using the deep‑sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu, Japanese authorities pulled up sediment from depths of around 6,000 meters near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific—making this the first time such material has been continuously lifted from these extreme depths. The mission represents a major strategic push to diversify supply chains for minerals essential to high‑tech and clean energy industries.
The retrieved mud is believed to contain key rare earth elements including dysprosium, neodymium, gadolinium, and terbium, which are vital for manufacturing electric vehicle motors, defense systems, and advanced electronics.
Analysis of the material will take place after the research vessel returns to port, with officials focused on determining how much and what quality of rare earths are present. If successful, Japan plans to move toward a full‑scale mining demonstration by early 2027, aiming to create a domestic source of critical minerals that have long been dominated by Chinese production.
The push comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and export restrictions by Beijing, which controls the vast majority of the world’s heavy rare earth refining capacity. Tokyo’s move toward deep‑sea mineral extraction is part of a broader strategy to shield its industries from supply disruptions and enhance national and economic security. Experts say developing alternative sources is urgent as global competition intensifies for materials crucial to future technologies and energy transitions.
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