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US and Japan plan deep-sea mining near Minamitorishima Island
The United States and Japan are collaborating on a major deep-sea mining project near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean. The initiative targets rare earth element deposits located approximately 6,000 meters below the ocean surface.
Researchers have identified significant reserves, estimated at over 16 million tons, containing critical minerals such as yttrium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and terbium. These elements are essential for high-tech industries, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, advanced electronics, and defense systems. The project aims to establish a secure, integrated supply chain to reduce reliance on China, which currently controls roughly 90% of the global rare earth market.
Technical challenges are substantial due to the extreme water pressure at such depths. A large-scale experimental mining test is scheduled for February 2027, with the goal of developing a commercialization plan by 2028. American companies, including Deep Reach Technology, have expressed interest in the venture.
Entities
China · Deep Reach Technology · Japan · Minamitorishima · Minamitorishima Island · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A commercialization plan is targeted for completion by 2028. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · adevarul.ro · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The seabed around Minamitorishima contains over 16 million tons of rare earth elements. zielona.interia.pl · adevarul.ro · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The mining site is located at a depth of approximately 6,000 meters. zielona.interia.pl · adevarul.ro · cafef.vn · www.yenicaggazetesi.com · interestingengineering.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A large-scale experimental mining test is scheduled for February 2027. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · adevarul.ro · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The deposits include yttrium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and terbium. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · zielona.interia.pl · adevarul.ro · cafef.vn · inzynieria.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The United States and Japan plan to develop a deep-sea mine near Minamitorishima Island. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · zielona.interia.pl · adevarul.ro · cafef.vn · interestingengineering.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The project aims to reduce dependence on China, which controls about 90% of the global rare earth supply. adevarul.ro · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Deep Reach Technology has expressed interest in the project. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · adevarul.ro