DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Energy & Infrastructure

Japan to test rare earth mining 6km underwater in February 2027

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Japan plans to conduct full-scale rare earth mineral mining tests in February 2027 at a depth of 6km near the Pacific island of Minamitorishima.
  • The tests follow a successful mission that recovered seabed samples containing yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium, crucial for high-tech industries.
  • This initiative aims to reduce Japan's dependence on China for rare earth supplies, though environmental campaigners warn of threats to marine ecosystems.

Japan is set to begin large-scale deep-sea mining tests for rare earth minerals in February 2027, aiming to secure vital resources and reduce reliance on China. A recent mission successfully retrieved samples from approximately 6,000 meters below the surface near Minamitorishima, a remote Pacific island. The recovered seabed material contained traces of yttrium, a mineral essential for semiconductor manufacturing and automotive industries, as well as gadolinium and dysprosium.

Yttrium is globally scarce and is used in coating agents for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, catalysts for purifying harmful nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases, and in the semiconductor and automotive industries, making it an important rare earth for our country.

— Sanae TakaichiThe Japanese Prime Minister explained the significance of yttrium, a mineral found in the recovered seabed samples.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the upcoming full-scale mining test, emphasizing Japan's commitment to strengthening supply chain resilience through government and private sector collaboration. This move comes as many nations seek to diversify their sources of rare earth elements, which are critical for producing everything from missiles to wind turbines. China currently dominates global production and refining of these minerals.

Based on this achievement, we plan to conduct a full-scale mining test in February next year.

— Sanae TakaichiPrime Minister Takaichi announced the timeline for the upcoming large-scale mining test.

Previous studies suggest the seabed around Minamitorishima could hold millions of tons of rare earths, potentially ensuring supplies for centuries. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems. The initiative also aligns with Japan's broader strategy to secure critical mineral supplies, especially after a diplomatic spat with Beijing led to restricted exports to Japan.

Japan will undertake efforts to strengthen the supply chain resilience, with the full involvement of both government and private sectors, so as not to overly depend on specific countries.

— Sanae TakaichiTakaichi outlined Japan's strategy to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog