Japan discovers rich rare earth deposits in Pacific seabed near Minamitori Island

A Japanese government-affiliated research project has discovered rich deposits of medium and heavy rare earth elements in the Pacific Ocean seabed near Minamitori Island, a find that could help the nation diversify its critical mineral supply chains away from China. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) reported that elements such as yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium, which are vital for high-tech products, comprised approximately 54 percent of the total rare earths extracted from mud samples. Light rare earths like neodymium accounted for the remaining 46 percent. The samples were collected from a depth of around 5,600 metres during a survey conducted by the research vessel Chikyu in January and February. While the total volume of rare earths recovered was not disclosed, project leader Shoichi Ishii highlighted the significance of finding yttrium, noting its rapidly increasing value on global markets. Japan currently depends heavily on China for these critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defence equipment. To assess commercial viability, the team plans a full-scale mining test starting in February 2027, aiming to extract mud daily for about a month. The material would be transported to Minamitori Island for initial dewatering before being shipped to the Japanese mainland for refining. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that the government would evaluate the costs and benefits of industrial development by March 2028, emphasising that domestic production of rare earths would strengthen supply chain independence.