Japan has recovered seabed mud containing rare-earth elements from the Pacific Ocean to advance domestic production of critical minerals [1].
This discovery is a strategic move to secure the supply chain for high-tech industries. Rare earths are essential for the production of semiconductors, medical lasers, fuel cells, LEDs, and jet-engine components [1], [3].
The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the research team aboard the deep-sea drill ship Chikyū conducted the operation off Minami-Torishima, also known as South Bird Island [1], [2]. The team retrieved the mud samples from a depth of approximately 6,000 meters [2].
Analysis of the recovered material confirmed the presence of yttrium [1]. This specific element is considered rare, and China currently accounts for the majority of global production, a source cited by ANNnewsCH said [1].
The mud was collected in February 2026 [1]. Following the recovery, officials said on July 22, 2026, that they have begun a study to determine the profit feasibility of domestic production [1], [2].
While some reports suggest the project is moving forward regardless of immediate costs, other sources indicate the government is currently evaluating the economic viability of the extraction process [1], [3].
Bloomberg said the Japanese government is accelerating seabed mining as a national project to lower its dependency on China [3]. The Chikyū ship remains a central tool in this effort to locate and extract minerals from the extreme depths of the ocean floor [1], [2].
“Japan has recovered seabed mud containing rare-earth elements from the Pacific Ocean.”
The successful retrieval of yttrium from 6,000 meters depth represents a significant technical milestone in deep-sea mining. By establishing a domestic source of rare earths, Japan aims to mitigate the geopolitical risk associated with its heavy reliance on Chinese exports, ensuring that its semiconductor and aerospace sectors remain resilient against potential trade disruptions.
