News analysis
Will Japan rewire global rare earth supply chains with its deep-sea breakthrough?
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The clay-like sludge pumped up from the abyssal depths surrounding Minamitorishima is remarkably rich in highly coveted medium and heavy rare earth elements.
PHOTO: AFP
- Japan successfully extracted rare earth elements from seabed 5,600 metres deep near Minamitorishima, aiming to reduce dependence on China’s rare earth supply.
- The seabed clay is rich in critical minerals like yttrium and neodymium, vital for tech industries, with less radioactive elements than Chinese deposits.
- Challenges remain in processing and economic viability, but Japan seeks US partnership to secure its supply chain.
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TOKYO – Japan’s successful, world-first mission to extract rare earth deposits from the seabed at depths of nearly 5,600m beneath the Pacific surface – far deeper than Mount Fuji is tall – has ignited fresh optimism that Tokyo can break Beijing’s grip on critical mineral supply chains.
The clay-like sludge pumped up from the abyssal depths surrounding Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost point located around 1,950km south-east of Tokyo, is remarkably rich in highly coveted medium and heavy rare earth elements.
