Japan is pioneering a new frontier in resource extraction, preparing to mine rare earth elements from the ocean floor at depths of up to 6,000 meters by 2027. This strategic initiative aims to secure a vital domestic supply and reduce dependence on China, which currently controls a significant portion of the global rare earth market.
These rare earth minerals are the building blocks of modern technology, essential for manufacturing everything from smartphones and renewable energy systems to advanced military hardware. The increasing global demand underscores the strategic importance of securing reliable sources, a challenge Japan is now addressing by looking beneath the waves.
The plan involves sophisticated deep-sea drilling technology to collect sediment from the seabed. This sludge will then be transported to Japan for processing, unlocking valuable elements like dysprosium, which is crucial for the country’s powerful automotive industry. Maintaining production for companies like Toyota and Honda requires a stable supply of these critical minerals.
Japan’s push for resource independence was significantly influenced by a 2010 trade dispute with China, which highlighted the risks associated with relying on a single supplier. Since then, Japan has actively sought to diversify its sources, making strategic investments and forging international partnerships to secure rare earth access outside of China’s direct control.
This deep-sea project, part of the Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme (SIP), includes the development of a specialized processing facility on Minamitorishima island. This facility will manage the initial stages of separating minerals from the seabed mud. Pilot mining tests are scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a comprehensive demonstration of the entire process set for early 2027. If successful, this ambitious endeavor could significantly alter the global balance of rare earth supply and enhance Japan’s strategic autonomy.