Japan deep-sea rare earth mining begins near Minamitorishima

Japan officially began deep-sea rare earth mining near Minamitorishima to secure domestic critical minerals.
Jamstec collected the first batch of rare earth mud from 6,000 meters depth on 1 February.
The operation marks a key milestone in Japan’s strategic effort to reduce Chinese import reliance.

The Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) will conduct initial treatment tests by April.
Chikyu, Jamstec’s deep-sea drilling vessel, returned to Japan on 15 February after extraction.
Full-scale trials targeting 350 tonnes per day are planned for February 2027.

Japan’s deep-sea mud deposits may hold up to 16 million tonnes of rare earth resources.
If realized, these reserves would rank as the third-largest globally.
However, high recovery costs remain a challenge compared to Chinese processing facilities.

Japan deep-sea rare earth mining addresses critical mineral dependency

Japan relies on imports for 60–70% of its rare earth needs, mainly from China.
Deep-sea extraction offers a domestic source for high-performance electronics and industrial metals.
The SIP trial aims to assess both economic viability and technological feasibility.

China’s export restrictions have widened price gaps in rare earth products.
This shift may improve commercial feasibility for Japan’s deep-sea projects.
Nonetheless, cost efficiency and element availability will remain critical evaluation metrics.

Strategic implications of Japan’s rare earth initiative

Deep-sea mining aligns with Japan’s broader plan to secure supply chains.
It also reinforces national resilience against geopolitical risks in critical minerals.
Investors and technology manufacturers will closely monitor SIP’s forthcoming 2028 report.

The 2013 University of Tokyo discovery initially highlighted the area’s potential.
Since then, Japan has advanced regulatory and technological frameworks for underwater mining.
These initiatives aim to balance economic gains with environmental and operational challenges.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Japan’s deep-sea rare earth mining represents a strategic pivot toward self-reliance.
Although costs remain high, rising global rare earth prices enhance potential profitability.
The project could influence Asian and global rare earth markets, particularly if commercialized by 2027–28.