Japan Orders Seabed Rare‑Earth Mining Near South Bird Island by 2027

Prime Minister Saeko Takachii instructed relevant ministries to accelerate an industrial‑scale proof‑of‑concept for extracting rare‑earth minerals from the seabed off Minami‑Torishima (South Bird Island). The plan aims to begin commercial mining and processing of at least 350 tonnes per day by fiscal 2027, reducing Japan’s dependence on Chinese rare‑earth supplies.

The government will invest more than ¥3 trillion in marine resource development by 2040, earmarking ¥900 billion for rare‑earth and manganese‑nodule projects and ¥1.2 trillion for marine drones and satellite‑based ocean‑domain awareness. Earlier this year, JAMSTEC’s drill ship Chikyū retrieved rare‑earth‑rich clay from a depth of about 5,600 m, confirming the resource’s potential. The policy also calls for revising Japan’s Arctic strategy and using public procurement to attract private investment.