Japan's Deep-Sea Rare Earth Extraction off Minamitorishima: Progress and Challenges
A summary of Japan's progress in extracting rare earth mud from the deep sea off Minamitorishima, and the challenges to commercialization.
Resource Extraction from 5,500 Meters Deep Enters Validation Phase
The waters off Minamitorishima are currently the center of attention in Japan's rare earth development. On February 2, 2026, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) announced the successful recovery of rare earth mud from a depth of approximately 5,500 meters using the deep-sea drilling vessel 'Chikyu.' This milestone moves Minamitorishima's resources from theoretical research into the validation stage.
Why Rare Earths are Strategic Resources
Rare earths (rare earth elements) are a group of 17 elements, including neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, that form the foundation of modern industry and defense, used in EV motors, wind turbine magnets, smartphone vibrators, and precision-guided missiles. China accounts for approximately 70% of global production, with an even higher concentration in refining and separation processes. The 2010 Chinese export restrictions to Japan (triggered by the Senkaku Islands dispute) inflicted severe damage on Japan's supply chain, highlighting the need for domestic and allied procurement.
Resource Potential off Minamitorishima
Research groups, including those from the University of Tokyo, have demonstrated that vast amounts of rare earth mud exist beneath the seabed within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around Minamitorishima. The mud is especially rich in heavy rare earth elements (heavy REEs), making it economically attractive compared to deep-sea manganese nodules. The Japanese government supports mid-to-long-term development of these strategic resources across electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense sectors.
Challenges to Commercialization: Profitability and Technology Gap
However, the road to practical application remains long. Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, acknowledged the achievement but explained that challenges remain in profitability, extraction and transport costs, and commercializing the refining and separation processes. Minamitorishima is located roughly 1,900 km away from Honshu, facing harsh ocean conditions. A long-term strategy combining technology, investment, and regulatory support is essential to recover mud continuously and stably from the deep seabed, refine it at low cost on land, and supply it competitively. Environmental impact assessments and compliance with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulations will also be key areas of focus.
From "Resource Confirmation" to "Implementation Readiness"
This progress signals a transition in Japan's resource policy from 'confirming existence' to 'preparing for implementation.' The next steps involve large-scale continuous mining demonstrations, designing frameworks to encourage private sector entry, and strengthening domestic refining technologies. Minamitorishima could serve as the core of Japan's resource strategy to decouple from Chinese dependency. While some estimate it will take another 10 to 20 years to realize, the foundation is being laid today.
【Sources】
JAMSTEC, "Success in recovering rare earth mud off Minamitorishima using deep-sea scientific drilling vessel 'Chikyu'" (Feb 2026) https://www.jamstec.go.jp/
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Resource Development Policies for Rare Earths and Other Minerals" https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/nonferrous_metal/rareearth/
University of Tokyo, "Resource Evaluation of Rare Earth Mud off Minamitorishima" https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/