Japan’s Ambitious Plans: Extracting Rare Earths from the Ocean Floor
The rare earth metals hold remarkable economic and geopolitical significance, with China currently dominating their supply. Historically, Japan has relied heavily on these imports, which has created a palpable sense of urgency for the nation to find a solution. After thorough exploration, Japan recently discovered an invaluable resource: a massive deposit of rare earths beneath the ocean. As a result, the country has announced plans to commence extraction.
January 2026 marks a pivotal date, as Japan plans its first test extraction phase, according to Nikkei Asia. Initially set to begin this year, the project faced delays due to the late delivery of the required equipment. A vital 12,000 million yen (approximately 71 million euros) duct manufactured in the United Kingdom is essential for accessing the deposits located at depths of 5,500 meters .
The Chikyu, part of the Japanese Marine-Terrestrial Science and Technology Agency (JAMSTEC), will spearhead this extraction effort. This specialized drilling vessel has previously conducted tests at depths of 2,500 meters along the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture. The new challenge lies in drilling more than double that depth—5,500 meters. Should they succeed, it will mark a groundbreaking milestone as rare earths have never been extracted at such extreme depths.
During the first extraction phase, the Chikyu aims to pull up 35 tons of mud . Each ton is estimated to yield around 2 kilos of rare earths , translating to a potential total of 70 kilos in the best-case scenario.
A key discovery came nearly a year ago near Minami-Torishima Island, located approximately 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. As this site lies within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, the extraction rights belong to Japan. Among the minerals present, gadolinium plays a crucial role in the nuclear industry, while dysprosium is primarily used in electric vehicle magnets. Furthermore, the site is rich in manganese , cobalt , and nickel nodules , all vital components for battery production.
The potential quantity is both unclear and decisive. Initial estimates suggested the site contains about 16 million tons of rare earths, placing Japan third behind China (44 million tons) and Brazil (21 million tons). However, a recent University of Tokyo analysis posits that this number could be as high as 230 million tons . If accurate, Japan would surpass China, positioning itself as the leading reserve holder of rare earths globally.
Independence has been a key motivation for Japan’s push into extracting these essential minerals. The journey to autonomy began in 2022, as the nation aims to reduce its reliance on foreign sources. Currently, Japan imports 60% of its rare metals from China. To counter this dependency, the Japanese government has invested approximately 6,000 million yen (around 42 million euros) in the initial extraction phases, making this a national priority.
Friction between Japan and China is a growing concern, particularly given China’s significant control over rare earth supplies. Recently, a naval fleet led by two Chinese aircraft carriers entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Minami-Torishima, a move that raised alarms. While Japan did not formally protest, officials stated they conveyed an “appropriate message” regarding the incursion. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the strategic importance of rare earths in geopolitical discussions.
Image | TNFSA
In conclusion, Japan’s groundbreaking venture to extract rare earths from the ocean floor signifies a monumental shift in its approach to resource acquisition. With the stakes so high, both economically and politically, the success of this project could reshape not only Japan’s energy infrastructure but also the global balance of power in rare earth resources. The determination to break free from dependency underscores the potential for innovation and self-sufficiency in an increasingly complex world.