Japan Confirms Success in Pacific Rare Earth Extraction, Plans Larger Test

Japan has confirmed the successful extraction of rare earth elements from a seabed deposit in the Pacific, marking a significant step in its efforts to secure critical mineral resources. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) announced that following initial tests earlier this year near Minamitori Island, a full-scale mining test is planned for approximately one month starting in February 2027.

The elements extracted primarily belong to the medium and heavy rare earth groups, including yttrium and dysprosium. JAMSTEC highlighted that these are extremely scarce and valuable metals, essential for advanced high-tech products such as magnets used in electric vehicle motors. Yttrium, constituting 30% of the extracted rare earths, is considered particularly important and globally scarce for Japan.

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Based on the results of this test, and leveraging our prior technological development and operational knowledge, we plan to conduct a full-scale mining test in the same test area for approximately one month, starting in February 2027.

Minister of State for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi emphasized on social media that Japan aims to "strengthen the resilience of supply chains" for important materials like rare earths, ensuring it does not "over-rely on specific countries." This strategic push comes amid global concerns over supply chain stability, particularly concerning China's dominant position in the rare earth market.

China currently controls over 70% of global rare earth production and nearly 90% of its processing, giving it significant leverage in trade disputes. Japan's initiative to develop its domestic seabed resources is seen as a move to diversify supply sources and mitigate geopolitical risks associated with mineral dependency. Rare earth elements are crucial components in a wide range of modern technologies, including touch screens, solar panels, and electric vehicles.

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Regarding important materials such as rare earths, we will strive, with the participation of the entire government and the private sector, in initiatives to strengthen the resilience of supply chains, so that we do not over-rely on specific countries.