Japan Successfully Recovers Rare Earth Elements from Deep Sea in Major Strategic Move

Tokyo. Japan announced that it has successfully recovered mineral-rich deposits containing rare earth elements from a depth of approximately 6,000 meters in the ocean during a deep-sea exploration mission. This information, made public by the government on Monday, is linked to Japan's long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on China for the supply of these valuable minerals.

According to government statements, this is the world's first attempt to extract rare earth elements from deep-sea mineral deposits at such a significant depth. Japan has presented this successful test as a significant achievement, both technically and strategically.

Government spokesperson Kei Sato informed that a detailed analysis will be conducted on the quantity of rare earth elements contained in the samples. According to him, this achievement is meaningful from the perspective of economic security as well as overall marine development.

Last month, the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel named 'Chikyu' traveled to Minami Torishima, a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, to collect samples. It is believed that there are significant reserves of valuable minerals on the seabed around that area.

This discovery comes at a time when China, the world's largest supplier of rare earth elements, is increasing pressure on Japan through various means. Relations between Tokyo and Beijing became sensitive after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her views on the regional security situation concerning Taiwan in November.

In this context, Beijing has halted the export of 'dual-use' items, which could have potential military applications, to Japan. Since some of these items fall under the rare earth element group, concerns have grown that the supply to Japan could be disrupted.

Rare earth elements refer to 17 types of metals that are difficult to extract from the Earth's upper crust. These elements are essential in applications ranging from electric vehicles, hard drives, and wind turbines to missile systems.

It is estimated that there are over 16 million tons of rare earths in the area surrounding Minami Torishima, which falls within Japan's exclusive economic zone. According to the Japanese business daily Nikkei, this is the world's third-largest reserve of rare earths.

According to Nikkei, the reserves are estimated to contain Dysprosium sufficient for about 730 years, which is necessary for high-power magnets used in mobile phones and electric cars. Furthermore, Yttrium, used in laser technology, is also reported to be present in quantities sufficient for about 780 years.

Environmental groups have expressed concern over deep-sea mining. They argue that such activities can severely impact the marine ecosystem and disrupt the balance of the seabed.

The issue has become more geopolitically sensitive after US President Donald Trump pushed for the acceleration of deep-sea mining in international waters. The International Seabed Authority, which has jurisdiction over the seabed in international waters, is attempting to implement a global code of conduct to regulate mining in the ocean depths.

However, the government states that Japan's test mission was conducted within its own territorial waters. According to Takahiro Kamisunaka, a research associate at The International Institute for Strategic Studies, if Japan can continuously and successfully extract rare earths around Minami Torishima, a domestic supply chain for major industries will be secured.

According to him, this could prove to be a significant strategic asset for the Takaichi administration as it would substantially reduce supply dependence on China.

Beijing has long used its dominance in rare earth elements for geopolitical advantage. According to the International Energy Agency, China controls about two-thirds of the world's rare earth mining production and 92% of refined production.