Japan brings back rare-earth mud from seabed: Why it's a big deal
The recovered mud is believed to contain dysprosium and neodymium. They are key elements used in electric vehicle motor magnets.
Japan's government has announced the successful recovery of rare-earth-rich mud from seabed depths of about 6 kilometres, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to secure alternative mineral sources amid ongoing Chinese export restrictions.
The scientific research vessel Chikyu departed on January 12 for Minamitori Island, located 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo, and initiated recovery operations on January 30.
The first retrieval of rare-earth mud was confirmed on February 1, according to the Cabinet Office's national platform for innovative ocean development. These operations are intended to help Japan diversify its supply of critical minerals as Beijing tightens export regulations.
Recovery operations at three different locations had been completed by Monday, Ayumi Yoshimatsu, a spokesperson for the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), which operates the vessel, told news agency Reuters.
Yoshimatsu further noted that the analysis of the recovered material will happen after the ship returns to the Shimizu port in Japan on February 15.
The recovered mud is believed to contain dysprosium and neodymium. They are key elements used in electric vehicle motor magnets. Also recovered were gadolinium and terbium, which are essential for various high-tech applications.
"Barring major issues, Japan plans to proceed with a full-scale mining trial in February 2027," Yoshimatsu said, indicating the country's intent to expand mining operations if analysis results are favourable.
The move comes as China has imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items, including rare earths, to Japan following recent diplomatic disputes.
A Japanese component manufacturer announced this week that it is being impacted by the restrictions China has imposed and is working to look for other sources in order to reduce the nation's reliance on China.
Japan's government has announced the successful recovery of rare-earth-rich mud from seabed depths of about 6 kilometres, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to secure alternative mineral sources amid ongoing Chinese export restrictions.
The scientific research vessel Chikyu departed on January 12 for Minamitori Island, located 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo, and initiated recovery operations on January 30.
The first retrieval of rare-earth mud was confirmed on February 1, according to the Cabinet Office's national platform for innovative ocean development. These operations are intended to help Japan diversify its supply of critical minerals as Beijing tightens export regulations.
Recovery operations at three different locations had been completed by Monday, Ayumi Yoshimatsu, a spokesperson for the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), which operates the vessel, told news agency Reuters.
Yoshimatsu further noted that the analysis of the recovered material will happen after the ship returns to the Shimizu port in Japan on February 15.
The recovered mud is believed to contain dysprosium and neodymium. They are key elements used in electric vehicle motor magnets. Also recovered were gadolinium and terbium, which are essential for various high-tech applications.
"Barring major issues, Japan plans to proceed with a full-scale mining trial in February 2027," Yoshimatsu said, indicating the country's intent to expand mining operations if analysis results are favourable.
The move comes as China has imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items, including rare earths, to Japan following recent diplomatic disputes.
A Japanese component manufacturer announced this week that it is being impacted by the restrictions China has imposed and is working to look for other sources in order to reduce the nation's reliance on China.