Japan starts extracting rare earth elements from the deep sea

The Japanese government has announced that in order to reduce its strong dependence on China in the field of strategic minerals, it will start the experimental operation of extracting rare earth elements from the deep seabed in early 2025. The ambitious project, which will be implemented in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Pacific Ocean, could be a big step towards Japan‘s self-sufficiency in supplying vital raw materials for advanced industries.

According to Tekna Technology News Media, rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemicals that are used in the production of a wide range of high-tech products, including electric car batteries, wind turbines, and military systems. Currently, China dominates the supply chain of these materials, and this has raised concerns about the economic security of consumer countries. Tokyo hopes to strengthen its position in this strategic market by exploiting the huge reserves discovered on the seabed.

The experimental mining operation will involve removing mineral-rich mud from the depths of 6,000 meters of the sea, which is considered an engineering and environmental challenge. Environmental experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of these activities on marine ecosystems, but Japanese authorities have promised to enforce strict standards to protect the environment. The success of this project could change the geopolitical landscape of energy and minerals in the Asia-Pacific region.