Japan has embarked on a daring mission to explore rare earths from the deep sea, aiming to reduce its heavy reliance on China for these critical resources. The project is being called the world’s first attempt to mine rare earths at extreme depths. It reflects Japan’s scientific ambition and the urgent need to secure key rare earth minerals for its industries.
Deep Sea Exploration of Rare Earths Begins
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Japan set sail on an extraordinary mission to tap rare earths from the Pacific Ocean. A Japanese scientific drilling ship, the Chikyu, departed for waters surrounding the remote island of Minami Torishima. The area lies within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, and experts believe it contains massive deposits of rare earths nearly 6,000 meters beneath the ocean surface — deeper than the height of Mount Fuji.
The mission will lower a specialized pipe into the deep sea to test whether a mining machine attached to its tip can reach the seabed and retrieve mineral-rich mud. Scientists will observe how effectively the machine works at extreme depths and determine whether the collected samples contain enough rare earths to make mining viable. The expedition will continue until February 14, giving researchers over a month to evaluate the technology.
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Rare earths form a group of 17 elements that are hard to extract but play a crucial role in modern life. Industries use them in electric vehicles, wind turbines, missiles, hard drives, smartphones, and other advanced electronics. Securing a stable supply of rare earths has become a top priority for many nations, as these elements are essential to both technology and defense industries.
Strategic Importance of Rare Earths and China’s Role
Japan’s push to test deep-sea mining comes amid growing concerns about its dependence on China. Currently, China dominates the market, supplying nearly two-thirds of the world’s mined rare earths and more than 90% of refined output. In recent weeks, tensions escalated as Beijing delayed exports of certain high-tech and dual-use goods to Japan, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerability.
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The Minami Torishima region is estimated to hold over 16 million tons of rare earths, making it the third-largest reserve in the world. Some deposits could supply enough dysprosium — used in high-strength magnets — for more than 700 years, and enough yttrium — used in lasers — for nearly 780 years.
By testing its ability to extract these rare earths, Japan aims to secure a domestic supply chain for key industries. The effort could help ensure that Japanese companies continue to operate smoothly, even if global trade tensions interrupt imports. It also represents a strategic step toward reducing reliance on a single dominant supplier for critical rare earth materials.
Environmental Concerns and Global Attention
While the mission may offer economic and strategic benefits, it has raised environmental concerns. Scientists and environmental groups warn that disturbing the deep ocean floor could harm fragile ecosystems. Mining could disrupt habitats for marine species and affect the overall health of the seabed environment.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which oversees ocean floor resources beyond national jurisdictions, is currently working on a global code to regulate deep-sea mining. Although Japan’s experiment takes place within its own economic waters, the mission contributes to ongoing global discussions about balancing industrial needs with environmental protection.
The project also coincides with efforts by the United States to explore deep-sea mining in international waters, making this area of research a geopolitical hotspot. Nations around the world are closely watching Japan’s experiment to see whether it could pave the way for new methods of securing critical rare earths while reducing dependence on major suppliers like China.
As Japan tests its deep-sea mining technology, the mission highlights both the potential rewards and the challenges of exploring one of Earth’s final frontiers. It underscores the growing importance of rare earths in technology, defense, and energy, while also raising important questions about environmental responsibility and global cooperation.