Japan to Test Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining to Reduce Dependence on China

 is set to launch a landmark deep-sea mining experiment aimed at extracting rare earth minerals from the ocean floor, in a strategic move to reduce its heavy reliance on China for critical resources.

The initiative will begin on January 11, when the Japanese deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu sails to waters near Minami Torishima, a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding seabed is believed to hold vast deposits of rare earth-rich mud at depths of nearly 6,000 metres, making the project the world’s first attempt to mine rare earths at such extreme depths.

Rare earth elements—essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, defence systems and renewable energy technologies—are currently dominated by China, which controls the majority of global mining and refining capacity. Japanese authorities view the trial as a crucial step toward securing a domestic supply chain for industries vital to national security and technological competitiveness.

The mission is being led by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, which described the expedition as the first phase toward potential commercialisation of undersea rare earth resources within Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Estimates suggest the seabed around Minami Torishima may contain more than 16 million tonnes of rare earth minerals, including significant quantities of dysprosium and yttrium—materials essential for high-performance magnets, lasers and advanced electronics. If successfully extracted on a sustained basis, the reserves could support Japan’s industrial needs for centuries.

The project also carries geopolitical significance, coming amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities. Analysts say the move could substantially reduce Japan’s strategic dependence on China, which has previously used its dominance in rare earths as a geopolitical tool.

However, the plan has sparked environmental concerns. Environmental groups warn that deep-sea mining could disrupt fragile marine ecosystems and permanently damage the seabed. Global regulators, including the International Seabed Authority, are continuing efforts to establish a regulatory framework for deep-sea mining activities.

The test mission is scheduled to run until mid-February, during which engineers will assess whether specialised equipment can safely retrieve mineral-rich sediments from the ocean floor.