Japan is embarking on an ambitious deep-sea mining initiative, aiming to extract vital rare earth elements from the ocean floor by 2027. This strategic move is designed to significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on China for these critical materials and bolster domestic supply chains. The groundbreaking plan involves drilling to depths of nearly 6,000 meters, bringing up seabed mud, and transporting it to the mainland for processing.
Rare earth minerals are indispensable to modern technology, powering everything from electric vehicles and advanced weaponry to semiconductors and sophisticated electronics. As global demand for these elements escalates, so does the geopolitical tension surrounding their supply. China currently holds a near-monopoly, controlling a substantial portion of the global supply and refining capacity.
In response, Japan is looking to the ocean’s depths for a solution. The project targets seabed deposits rich in elements like dysprosium, a crucial component for Japan’s world-leading automotive industry. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan rely on a consistent supply of rare earths to maintain production and global competitiveness.
The impetus for this venture stems from a 2010 incident where China restricted rare earth exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. This event highlighted Japan’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, prompting a decade-long effort to diversify its sources. While Japan has already reduced its reliance on China, the deep-sea initiative represents a bold leap towards self-sufficiency.
Under its Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme (SIP), Japan will establish a specialized facility on Minamitorishima island. This site will handle the initial separation of minerals from the dredged mud. Subsequently, the processed material will be shipped to mainland Japan for final refining. Trial mining operations are slated to commence in early 2026, with a full-scale demonstration planned for February 2027. This pioneering effort, backed by significant government investment, could redefine the global rare earth landscape and strengthen Japan’s strategic independence.
