Kawamura Yoshihisa, SIP Rare Earth Production Technology Development Theme Leader / Recovering sediment rich in clay-like rare earth elements from seabeds is truly a world-first attempt.

According to the government's SIP project team, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology's research vessel “Chikyu” will anchor off Minamitorishima for about 20 days starting on January 11. It will extend a pipe to the seabed at a depth of about 6,000 meters to extract mud containing rare earth elements.

The team plans to conduct tests in February 2027 to determine if it can extract 350 tons per day.

China holds an overwhelming share of the rare earth market.

Expectations are high for this project, as it could mark the first step toward stable extraction of rare earths elements for Japan, which relies on imports.