Japan launches deep-sea rare earth mining mission

January 11, 2026

TOKYO — Japan is launching an unprecedented deep-sea mining initiative aimed at extracting rare earth elements from the ocean floor at depths of around 6,000 meters, a level deeper than Mount Fuji is tall. The project, which begins Sunday (Jan 11), is designed to strengthen Japan’s resource security and reduce its heavy reliance on China for critical minerals.

The mission will be carried out by Chikyu, a state-of-the-art scientific drilling vessel operated by Japan, which will travel to Minami Torishima, a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Geological surveys indicate that the waters surrounding the island contain vast deposits of rare earth minerals essential for advanced technologies.

This test expedition comes amid heightened regional tensions. China, the world’s dominant supplier of rare earths, has increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Japan following comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November suggesting Tokyo could respond militarily to a potential conflict over Taiwan.

Rare earth elements—17 metals that are difficult and costly to extract—are vital components in products such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, data storage devices, and advanced weapons systems. According to the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), the current expedition marks the first practical step toward establishing a domestic rare earth supply chain.

JAMSTEC has described the project as the world’s first attempt to conduct rare earth extraction at such extreme ocean depths.

Estimates suggest the Minami Torishima region, located within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, holds more than 16 million tons of rare earth resources. According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, this would make it the third-largest reserve globally. The deposits are believed to contain enough dysprosium—used in high-performance magnets—for more than seven centuries, along with nearly 800 years’ worth of yttrium, a key material in lasers and electronics.

Security analysts say successful extraction could be transformative for Japan’s industrial base. “If Japan can maintain consistent rare earth production from Minami Torishima, it would significantly strengthen supply chain resilience for critical industries,” said Takahiro Kamisuna, a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He added that the project could sharply reduce Japan’s dependence on Chinese imports.

China currently controls nearly two-thirds of global rare earth mining and more than 90 percent of refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. Beijing has previously leveraged this dominance during geopolitical disputes, including trade tensions with the United States.

Recent reports indicate China has slowed Japanese imports and restricted exports of certain rare earths and “dual-use” materials with potential military applications, raising alarm in Tokyo. Although Japan has made efforts since a similar dispute in 2010 to diversify supply sources, more than 70 percent of its rare earth imports still originate from China.

During the test mission, Chikyu will deploy a long drilling pipe equipped with a mining device designed to reach the seabed and collect rare earth–rich sediment. The expedition is expected to continue through Feb 14.

Despite its strategic importance, deep-sea mining remains controversial. Environmental organizations warn that disturbing the ocean floor could cause irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems. The issue has gained global attention as governments push to accelerate seabed mining initiatives.

The International Seabed Authority, which oversees mineral resources in international waters, is currently working toward establishing a comprehensive global regulatory framework to govern deep-sea mining activities.