# Japan pursues mineral security amid G7 and China tensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-g7-energy-security-push
> Updated: 2026-08-22T04:01:23.000Z. Sources: 162. Developments: 35.

In mid-June 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conducted a diplomatic tour of the UK and Italy, securing an £18 billion technology and energy investment pact with the UK and upgrading to a “Special Strategic Partnership” with Italy. At the subsequent G7 summit in France, Takaichi proposed a joint critical mineral stockpiling framework, leading to a €64 billion commitment to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on any single supplier for rare earths to below 60% by 2030.

To counter China’s intensifying export restrictions—which saw shipments of key metals like yttrium and dysprosium to Japan drop to zero by mid-2026—Japan is aggressively pursuing alternative sources. Data from the first half of 2026 shows Chinese rare earth exports to Japan fell by 51%, with shipments of yttrium hitting zero in June and dysprosium and terbium remaining at zero since March. These declines follow an export licensing system implemented by China’s Ministry of Commerce in April 2025 to regulate strategic resources used in high-tech sectors.

In response, Japan and the United States are accelerating a joint deep-sea mining project near Minamitorishima. Recent tests at depths of nearly 6,000 meters successfully recovered sludge containing significant amounts of yttrium, dysprosium, and gadolinium. Estimates suggest these seabed resources could potentially meet global yttrium demand for approximately 780 years. To support this initiative, the Japanese government anticipates investing roughly $5.7 billion in public and private funds by 2040. Large-scale mining trials are scheduled for February 2027, with a goal of determining commercial viability by 2028. Japan is also deepening strategic ties with India and leveraging domestic discoveries, such as a gold deposit near Higashi-Aogashima, to secure high-tech manufacturing.

## Claims

- A large-scale experimental mining test is scheduled for February 2027. (disputed by 3 sources)
- JAMSTEC is scheduled to begin real mining tests in February of next year. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The deposits include yttrium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and terbium. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The United States and Japan plan to develop a deep-sea mine near Minamitorishima Island. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The mining site is located at a depth of approximately 6,000 meters. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The seabed around Minamitorishima contains over 16 million tons of rare earth elements. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A commercialization plan is targeted for completion by 2028. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Japan is studying the possibility of using Minamitori island to store nuclear waste. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Deep Reach Technology has expressed interest in the project. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The project aims to reduce dependence on China, which controls about 90% of the global rare earth supply. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Japan targets Minamitori Island for deep-sea rare earth mining

Japan is developing deep-sea mining near Minamitori Island to extract rare earth elements, aiming to secure a strategic supply chain and reduce dependence on China through potential US cooperation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-targets-minamitori-island-for-deep-sea-rare-earth-mining

### 2026-08-19: Minamitori Island: Japan's strategic site for rare earth mining

Japan plans to use Minamitori Island for deep-sea rare earth mining and potential nuclear waste storage to reduce reliance on China. Commercial extraction could begin by March 2028.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minamitori-island-japans-strategic-site-for-rare-earth-mining

### 2026-08-13: US and Japan plan deep-sea mining near Minamitorishima Island

The US and Japan are planning a deep-sea mining project near Minamitorishima Island to extract 16 million tons of rare earth elements, aiming to reduce global supply chain dependence on China.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-us-plan-deep-sea-rare-earth-mining-near-minamitorishima

### 2026-08-09: China rare earth exports to Japan and US decline amid new controls

China's rare earth exports to Japan and the US fell significantly in H1 2025 due to new export controls, even as domestic producers report surging profits driven by AI and high-tech demand.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-rare-earth-exports-to-japan-and-us-decline-amid-new-controls

### 2026-07-26: Japan Retrieves Rare‑Earth‑Rich Seabed Mud Near Minamitori Island

Japan's vessel Chikyu recovered rare‑earth‑rich mud near Minamitori Island; a 2027 trial will test large‑scale seabed mining to lessen reliance on Chinese exports.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-retrieves-rareearthrich-seabed-mud-near-minamitori-island

### 2026-07-24: Japan to launch large-scale deep-sea rare earth mining test near Minamitorishima

Japan will begin a large‑scale deep‑sea rare‑earth mining trial near Minamitorishima, testing extraction of yttrium, gadolinium, dysprosium and neodymium to cut reliance on China.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-retrieves-rareearthrich-seabed-samples-after-6000metre-drill-off-minamitorishima

### 2026-07-20: China sharply cuts rare earth exports to Japan amid diplomatic dispute

China halted key rare‑earth shipments to Japan in June, while overall rare‑earth export value rose 61% YoY.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinas-rare-earth-export-curbs-push-south-korea-japan-toward-alternative-suppliers

### 2026-07-17: Japan deepens cooperation with eastern India amid Indo‑Pacific strategy

Japan expands ties with eastern India via defence, AI and semiconductor deals, while a former Japanese minister denounced India’s high‑speed rail project as mismanaged and delayed.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-deepens-cooperation-with-eastern-india-amid-indopacific-strategy

### 2026-07-10: Japan discovers record‑rich undersea gold deposit

Scientists found the world’s richest undersea gold deposit at Japan’s Higashi‑Aogashima caldera, prompting debate over deep‑sea mining and environmental protection.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-uncovers-recordrich-undersea-gold-deposit-near-izu-islands

### 2026-07-06: Japan warns of rare‑earth supply squeeze as China curtails exports

Japan cites a surge in corporate warnings as China stops rare‑earth exports, threatening supply chains; Tokyo seeks alternatives while Japan and the U.S. hold most high‑value patents despite China’s raw‑metal p

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-warns-of-rareearth-shortage-as-china-curtails-exports

### 2026-07-04: Italy marks 160 years with Japan while reaffirming transatlantic partnership

Italy celebrated 160 years with Japan, emphasizing a strategic partnership, and President Mattarella sent a July 4 message to the U.S. reaffirming shared democratic values and transatlantic cooperation amid key

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-marks-160-years-with-japan-while-reaffirming-transatlantic-partnership

### 2026-07-02: India and Japan deepen strategic partnership at 16th annual summit

India and Japan expanded defence, AI, critical minerals and energy ties at their summit, reaffirmed Quad commitment, launched a trilateral dialogue with the Philippines and denounced Pakistan‑based terrorism.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-and-japan-sign-16point-strategic-framework-at-summit

### 2026-06-29: Japan pushes deep‑sea rare‑earth extraction to reduce China dependence

Japan is fast‑tracking deep‑sea rare‑earth extraction near Minamitori Island to cut China dependence, aiming for industrial testing by 2027 and commercial ops after 2028, while facing international ecological‑s

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-pushes-deepsea-rareearth-extraction-to-reduce-china-dependence

### 2026-06-29: Japan Orders Seabed Rare‑Earth Mining Near South Bird Island by 2027

Japan’s prime minister has directed rapid, industrial‑scale seabed rare‑earth mining off South Bird Island, targeting extraction by FY2027 to cut reliance on China, with billions of yen allocated for marine‑min

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-orders-seabed-rareearth-mining-near-south-bird-island-by-2027

### 2026-06-23: G7 commits €64 billion to diversify critical minerals supply, boosting Australia’s rare‑earth industry

The G7 pledged €64 bn to lower reliance on China for rare‑earths, while Australia and the US announced $1.4 bn to boost domestic critical‑minerals production amid high costs and environmental challenges.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/g7-commits-64-billion-to-diversify-critical-minerals-supply-boosting-australias-rareearth-industry

### 2026-06-22: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi eyes cabinet reshuffle and may miss NATO summit

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi plans to push key legislation and a cabinet reshuffle before July, and may skip the NATO summit in Turkey due to parliamentary duties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-pm-takahashi-pushes-legislation-and-may-skip-nato-summit

### 2026-06-20: US and G7 Aim to Cut Critical Mineral Dependence on China

G7 leaders, led by the US, propose a Western partnership to rebuild critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China, despite cost and governance concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-g7-aim-to-cut-critical-mineral-dependence-on-china

### 2026-06-18: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi pushes economic‑security diplomacy as Nikkei hits record

PM Sanae Takaichi highlighted economic‑security diplomacy at the G7, while the Nikkei hit a record after a US‑Iran pact; she also floated a 1% food VAT cut for 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-pm-sanae-takaichi-pushes-economicsecurity-diplomacy-as-nikkei-hits-record

### 2026-06-17: Japan-UK Offshore Wind Deal Promises £2 trillion Investment as Mitsubishi Exits Domestic Projects

Japan and the UK signed an offshore‑wind pact targeting up to ¥1.9 trn in UK projects, as Mitsubishi pulls out of three costly Japanese sites.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-uk-offshore-wind-deal-promises-2-trillion-investment-as-mitsubishi-exits-domestic-projects

### 2026-06-17: G7 leaders set target to cut dependence on China for rare earths and magnets

G7 leaders in France pledged to cut reliance on China for rare‑earths and magnets to under 60 % by 2030, sparking Chinese rebuttal, varied responses from Japan, South Korea and US senators, and a joint stance a

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/g7-launches-critical-minerals-alliance-to-cut-reliance-on-china

### 2026-06-16: G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains Addresses Geopolitics, Critical Minerals and Casual Hot‑Mic Moments

The G7 summit in Evian‑les‑Bains (June 15‑17 2026) saw leaders discuss Ukraine, Iran, Indo‑Pacific security, AI and cutting reliance on Chinese critical minerals, while hot‑mic leaks revealed casual chats about

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/g7-summit-hot-mic-captures-leaders-offscript-talk-on-smoking-sports-and-greenland

### 2026-06-14: Italy-Japan Strategic Partnership Deepened in Rome Meeting

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met in Rome on 15 June 2026 to deepen a Special Strategic Partnership, covering trade, space, defence and joint positions on Ukraine, the Middle East and

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-and-japan-deepen-strategic-partnership-ahead-of-g7-summit

### 2026-06-14: UK and Japan Sign Strategic Tech and Critical Minerals Pact

UK and Japan agreed to a strategic partnership on critical minerals, tech, and defence, launching a Frontier Technology Partnership and Economic Security Declaration to boost supply‑chain resilience and create

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-japan-sign-strategic-tech-and-critical-minerals-pact

### 2026-06-14: Japanese Prime Minister Takashi Kōhata meets UK and Italy leaders, inks AI and defence pact

Japan’s PM Takashi Kōhata met UK’s Keir Starmer and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, agreeing on AI, economic security and joint fighter‑jet work ahead of the G7 summit.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-prime-minister-takashi-khata-meets-uk-and-italy-leaders-inks-ai-and-defence-pact

### 2026-06-14: UK and Japan to seal $24 bn technology and investment partnership

The UK and Japan will sign $24 bn of investment and tech deals, including £9 bn for offshore wind and AI collaboration, creating tens of thousands of jobs ahead of the G7 summit.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-japan-to-seal-24-bn-technology-and-investment-partnership

### 2026-06-14: Japan to Send Delegation to Greenland to Assess Rare Earth Mining

Japan will send a summer delegation to Greenland to study rare‑earth mining, aiming to diversify away from China and assess the island's sizable deposits.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-to-send-delegation-to-greenland-to-assess-rare-earth-mining

### 2026-06-14: Japan's Prime Minister proposes G7 joint stockpile of critical minerals to counter China

Japan’s PM will push at the G7 for a joint critical‑minerals stockpile to offset China’s rare‑earth export cuts, while Japan eyes Greenland mining and broader supply‑chain diversification.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-prime-minister-proposes-g7-joint-stockpile-of-critical-minerals-to-counter-china

### 2026-06-14: Italy and Japan pledge deeper security and prosperity partnership

Meloni and Takaichi in Rome upgrade Italy‑Japan ties to a special strategic partnership, focusing on robotics, space, clean energy, defence, semiconductors and AI, while supporting Ukraine and a U.S.–Iran Horm‑

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-and-japan-deepen-strategic-partnership-on-semiconductors-space-and-ai

### 2026-06-14: UK and Japan seal $24 billion technology partnership on AI, chips and quantum

The UK and Japan agreed a £18 bn ($24 bn) tech partnership covering AI, chips, quantum and dual‑use defence, creating a startup fund and projected to create tens of thousands of jobs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-japan-seal-24-billion-technology-partnership-on-ai-chips-and-quantum

### 2026-06-14: UK and Japan seal $24 billion technology and energy investment pact

The UK and Japan will sign a £18 billion ($24 billion) tech and energy partnership, funding offshore wind, AI, semiconductors and quantum computing, and creating tens of thousands of jobs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-japan-seal-24-billion-technology-and-energy-investment-pact

### 2026-06-13: UK and Japan announce £18 bn investment package to boost infrastructure and technology

UK PM Keir Starmer and Japan PM Sanae Takaichi unveiled a £18 bn investment deal – £9 bn each for infrastructure/finance and offshore wind – plus tech cooperation, aiming to create tens of thousands of jobs.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-japan-set-to-announce-18-billion-investment-package-ahead-of-g7

### 2026-06-13: Japan's prime minister heads to UK ahead of G7 summit

Japan's prime ministers Takaichi and Kishida travel to the UK for bilateral talks on security, climate, trade and supply‑chain issues ahead of the Hiroshima G7 summit.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-prime-minister-heads-to-uk-ahead-of-g7-summit

### 2026-06-13: Japan's Prime Minister proposes energy‑security initiatives at G7 summit

Japan’s Prime Minister Sane Takahashi, on her first G7 attendance, will host France, the UK and Italy before the summit, pushing three energy‑security proposals and a joint critical‑minerals stockpiling plan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-prime-minister-proposes-energysecurity-initiatives-at-g7-summit

### 2026-06-13: Japanese Prime Minister Sanaei Takaichi visits UK and Italy ahead of G7 summit

Japanese PM Sanaei Takaichi tours the UK, Italy and France, meeting leaders including UK PM Keir Starmer, to push G7 cooperation on energy security, critical minerals and supply‑chain resilience.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-prime-minister-sanaei-takaichi-visits-uk-and-italy-ahead-of-g7-summit

### 2026-06-12: Japan PM Takaichi to attend G7 Energy Summit in France

Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi will travel to Europe, visiting the UK and Italy before attending the G7 Energy Summit in France to discuss energy security, supply chains and geopolitical tensions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-pm-takaichi-to-attend-g7-energy-summit-in-france

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Cite as: Japan pursues mineral security amid G7 and China tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-g7-energy-security-push