Japan launches a historic deep-sea mining test near Minami Torishima, aiming to tap vast rare earth deposits and reduce strategic dependence on China.
SHIMIZU PORT: A Japanese research vessel has embarked on a historic mission to test deep-sea mining for rare earth minerals at a depth of 6,000 metres.
The scientific drilling ship Chikyu departed for the remote Pacific island of Minami Torishima, where surrounding waters are believed to hold rich deposits of the valuable metals.
The voyage aims to curb Japan’s dependence on China, the world’s dominant supplier of these critical resources.
Programme director Shoichi Ishii said the government is seeking to diversify procurement sources and avoid excessive reliance on specific countries.
“One approach I believe could be pursued is establishing a process to achieve domestic production of rare earths,” he told reporters.
The test, touted as a world first at such depths, comes amid escalating tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
China has recently delayed exports of some rare earths and “dual-use” items to Japan following political friction.
The area around Minami Torishima is estimated to contain over 16 million tons of rare earths.
These deposits could supply centuries’ worth of metals like dysprosium for electric vehicles and yttrium for lasers.
Research associate Takahiro Kamisuna said success would secure a domestic supply chain for Japan’s key industries.
“It will be a key strategic asset for Takaichi’s government to significantly reduce the supply chain dependence on China,” he said.
Rare earths are 17 metals essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, hard drives and missiles.
China has long used its dominance in this sector for geopolitical leverage, including during past trade disputes.
The Chikyu’s test cruise is scheduled to last until mid-February.
