Japan to test rare earth mining 6km underwater in February 2027

Japan announced plans on July 24 to run a major mining test in February for rare earth minerals found deep under the Pacific Ocean. Scientists already used a deep-sea drilling ship to reach about 6,000 meters below the ocean's surface and brought back samples. The minerals were found near a remote island called Minamitorishima, located about 2,000 kilometers from Tokyo. Japan hopes that mining these minerals will help the country rely less on China, which currently supplies most of the world's rare earths.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared the news on the social media platform X. She said the samples included a rare mineral called yttrium, which is hard to find anywhere in the world. Yttrium is used in making semiconductors, which are tiny electronic parts found in computers and phones. It is also used in car engines and in equipment that cleans harmful gases from the air. Takaichi called it 'an important rare earth' for Japan.

Two other rare earth minerals, gadolinium and dysprosium, were also found in the 50 tonnes of seabed material that scientists collected. This was reported by Japan's Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, known as JAMSTEC. Rare earth minerals are used in many high-tech products, including wind turbines that make electricity from wind and missiles used by the military. Finding large amounts of these minerals is a big deal for any country that wants to build or power modern technology.

Earlier studies have suggested that the ocean floor near Minamitorishima could hold millions of tonnes of rare earth minerals. Scientists think there may be enough to supply the world with some minerals for hundreds of years. Japan hopes to work with the United States on the mining project. Prime Minister Takaichi said she spoke with U.S. leaders about teaming up on mining efforts around the island.

China is the world's biggest producer of rare earth minerals by far. According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for almost two-thirds of all rare earth mining and 92 percent of the world's processed output. Japan and China have recently had a serious disagreement after Takaichi made comments about Taiwan in November. In response, China has sharply cut back the amount of rare earth minerals it sends to Japan, making it even more urgent for Japan to find its own supply.

Not everyone is happy about the plan to mine the deep ocean. Environmental groups warn that digging up the seabed could seriously harm marine ecosystems, which are the communities of plants and animals that live in the ocean. Scientists are still studying what effects deep-sea mining might have on creatures that live at those extreme depths. The debate between economic need and environmental protection is likely to continue as Japan moves forward with its plans.

Minamitorishima is an uninhabited island, meaning no civilians live there and tourists are not allowed to visit. Officials also said in March that the island is being studied as a possible location to store nuclear waste. That survey would be separate from the mining tests planned for February. The island's remote location and government control make it an attractive spot for both projects.