Japan and the United States will jointly study the feasibility of rare-earth mining in the deep-sea mud deposits off Minamitori Island, located about 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo. The project, announced by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, explores recovering minerals from depths of 5,000 – 6,000 metres beginning as early as January 2027. The move comes amid rising global concern about China’s dominance in rare-earth supply and efforts by allied nations to diversify access.

Source: Reuters

Key Findings:
– The mud layers near Minamitori are believed to hold large concentrations of rare earth elements critical for EVs, electronics and defence industries.
– The framework agreement between Japan and the U.S. includes options for joint research, testing and infrastructure development in international waters.
– China currently dominates over 60% of global rare-earth processing; this partnership signals a strategic shift in global supply chains.
– If successful, the trial operation may recover up to 350 metric tons of rare-earth mud per day by early 2027.

Expert Insight:
“Securing rare-earth resources is now as strategic as securing oil reserves were in previous decades.”

EVSUD Mining Perspective:
At EVSUD Mining, we recognise the rising importance of rare-earth mineral supply chains—not just base metals. As demand for batteries, clean technologies and high-end manufacturing continues to grow, our strategic focus includes partnerships, diversified sourcing and readiness to adapt to new frontiers in mining like deep-sea deposits.