Japan Conducts Seafloor Test for Rare Earth Extraction Near Minamitorishima

Japan's government is pursuing the development of seabed mining for critical minerals, including rare earths, around Minamitorishima, a remote island in the Pacific located in the Tokyo village of Ogasawara. The effort aims to establish domestic production of the materials in the future.

The country, which has limited natural resources, considers securing such minerals a matter of economic security.

In February, Japan completed a test collection of rare earth-bearing mud from a depth of 6,000 meters below sea level near the island. Samples from the test were extracted and examined. The government is targeting commercialization no earlier than 2028.

Officials face the task of balancing the strategic importance of the mining operation for economic security with its economic viability. The test marks a step toward potential production from the seafloor site. Further work will address technical and cost challenges before any commercial operations could begin.