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Japan Taps Ocean Depths for Rare Minerals
9 Jan
Summary
- Japan seeks to reduce reliance on China for rare earths.
- Vast reserves of rare earths found near Minami Torishima.
- Deep-sea drilling aims for domestic rare earth industrialization.
Japan has launched a pioneering deep-sea mission to extract rare earth elements from depths exceeding 6,000 meters, a significant move aimed at curbing its reliance on China. The scientific drilling vessel Chikyu is undertaking this test cruise in waters near the remote island of Minami Torishima.
This initiative seeks to tap into an estimated 16 million tons of rare earths, believed to be the third-largest global reserve. The deposits could supply Japan with dysprosium and yttrium for centuries, vital for high-tech industries like electric vehicles and electronics.
The mission, scheduled until February 14, is a critical step towards domestic rare earth industrialization. It addresses concerns over China's dominance in the market and its use of rare earths as geopolitical leverage, especially amid escalating regional tensions.
