Japan has begun testing deep-sea mining technologies for rare earth elements by deploying the scientific drilling vessel Chikyu from Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture to waters near Minami-Tori-shima Island. According to official information, the operation is being carried out within Japan’s exclusive economic zone as part of a government-backed project.
The test focuses on sediment layers located approximately 6,000 meters below sea level, which are believed to contain high concentrations of rare earth elements. The Chikyu, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), will trial newly developed pipes and extraction equipment designed specifically for ultra-deep-sea conditions.
One of the main objectives of the project is to determine whether mineral-rich mud extracted from the seabed can be processed efficiently and at a scale suitable for commercial use. Previous surveys conducted in 2024 identified more than 200 million tons of mineral-rich manganese nodules in the area, highlighting the region’s significant resource potential.
During the initial phase, engineers will focus on testing the performance and durability of the mining systems before the vessel is scheduled to return to port in mid-February. If the trials prove successful, the project could pave the way for future commercial deep-sea mining operations.
Experts note that the initiative forms part of Japan’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported strategic minerals and strengthen supply chain security. Rare earth elements play a critical role in advanced technologies, making reliable access to these resources increasingly important on a global scale.
Source: AA
