On February 2, Japanese officials announced a breakthrough in ocean mining technology when the scientific drilling vessel Chikyu completed its mission in the deep Pacific Ocean.
Government spokesman Kei Sato said sediment samples containing rare earths were taken from a depth of 6,000m, a depth never conquered in previous commercial exploitation attempts.
This mission was carried out in the area around Minami Torishima Island, a remote island located in Japan's exclusive economic zone. According to Mr. Sato, the samples are being taken to the laboratory for accurate content analysis. He emphasized that this is a "meaningful achievement in both economic security and comprehensive maritime development".
According to estimates by Nikkei newspaper, the seabed area around Minami Torishima is containing a huge treasure with more than 14.5 million tons of rare earths. This reserve is said to be the third largest in the world, capable of supplying yttrium (used in lasers) for the globe for 780 years and dysprosium (used for electric vehicle magnets) for 730 years.
Experts believe that supply autonomy is a vital issue for Japan. Takahiro Kamisuna, a researcher at the Institute for International Strategic Studies (IISS), said: "If Japan successfully exploits rare earths around Minami Torishima, they will ensure a domestic supply chain for key industries and significantly reduce dependence on China.
However, this ambition also faces environmental challenges. Activists warn that deep sea exploitation will destroy the seabed ecosystem. This issue is becoming a hot topic of international debate, especially as US President Donald Trump is promoting rapid licensing of this activity in international waters.
Unlike disputes in international waters managed by the International Institute of Offshore Services (ISA), Japan's advantage is that this mission takes place entirely within their sovereign waters, helping Tokyo to be more proactive in deploying legal and technical measures.
