Japan Retrieves Rare‑Earth‑Rich Seabed Mud Near Minamitori Island

Japan's scientific drilling vessel Chikyu lifted about 50 metric tons of rare‑earth‑rich mud from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island, located roughly 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo. Analysis showed medium and heavy rare earth elements made up about 54 % of the total content, including yttrium, gadolinium and dysprosium, which are vital for aerospace, medical imaging, electric‑vehicle magnets and defense applications.

The find supports Japan's plan to diversify critical mineral supplies amid tighter Chinese export controls on heavy rare earths. A large‑scale mining trial is scheduled to start in February 2027, aiming to dredge 350 tons of mud per day, with dewatering and processing on the mainland to test extraction and refining technologies. Results will inform a feasibility assessment for domestic rare‑earth production due by March 2028.