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| Japan Rare Earth |
Japan to Launch Test Mining of Rare Earth-Rich Seabed Mud by 2026
Japan will initiate test mining of rare earth-rich mud from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island in January 2026. This groundbreaking project aims to establish a domestic supply of critical minerals amid growing global export restrictions. The government-backed initiative, led by Shoichi Ishii from the Cabinet Office’s ocean innovation platform and supported by JAMSTEC, will extract mud from depths of 5,000 to 6,000 meters. If successful, the project will process up to 350 tonnes of mud daily by early 2027, separating essential rare earth elements like dysprosium, neodymium, gadolinium, and terbium for use in electric vehicle (EV) motors and advanced technologies.
Challenges and Global Context of Deep Sea Rare Earth Mining
Despite its promising potential, Japan’s seabed mud mining faces significant technical and environmental challenges. Mining at abyssal depths requires sophisticated technology and careful environmental management. Experts, including Colin Hamilton from BMO Capital Markets, emphasize the need for comprehensive impact studies before commercial-scale operations commence. Moreover, major financial institutions like Credit Suisse and Lloyds have already restricted funding for deep sea mining until thorough environmental assessments are completed. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently finalizing regulatory frameworks, with new mining codes expected by 2025 to govern operations in international waters.
Japan’s strategic move responds to the increasing global demand and supply risks for rare earth elements critical to clean energy, defense, and high-tech industries. With domestic production capacity limited, securing local sources of these minerals is vital for Japan’s industrial autonomy and sustainability goals. This project aligns with earlier research by the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation, which identified vast deposits of battery metals like cobalt and nickel in the Pacific seabed, further underscoring the importance of seabed mining innovation.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Japan’s seabed rare earth mining marks a strategic leap toward securing critical minerals amid global supply uncertainties. While the technical and environmental challenges are formidable, successful test mining could stabilize Japan’s supply chain for EVs and advanced tech. Industry stakeholders must monitor regulatory developments and environmental impacts closely, as these will shape the future of deep sea mining investment and sustainable resource sourcing.
