Japan Finds Rare Earth Elements in Deep-Sea Mud Near Minamitorishima

A research team from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) confirmed multiple rare earth elements in deep-sea mud samples [1, 2].

This discovery is critical for Japan's strategy to reduce its dependence on China for the minerals required to manufacture high-tech products, including magnets for electric vehicles [1, 5].

In February 2026, researchers collected and analyzed approximately 50 tons of mud [1, 3]. The samples were retrieved from the seabed within Japan's exclusive economic zone off the coast of Minamitorishima, the country's easternmost island, at a depth of approximately 6,000 meters [1, 4].

Analysis of the mud revealed the presence of several rare earth elements, specifically naming yttrium and dysprosium [2, 3]. While some reports suggest the total scale of rare earth resources in the Minamitorishima area could reach 16 million tons, the current verified findings are based on the 50-ton sample set [1, 2, 6].

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government should move quickly to advance the demonstration of development on an industrial scale ^[7].

JAMSTEC plans to conduct a full-scale mining test starting in February 2027 [1, 3]. This trial is expected to last approximately one month as the agency evaluates the feasibility of extracting these minerals from the ocean floor [1, 3].

Reports on the equipment used for the mission differ, with some sources citing the deep-sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" and others attributing the work to the research vessel "Kaimei" [1, 6].