World's First Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining: JAMSTEC to Extract Mud from 6,000m Depth off Minamitorishima
A New Era in Deep-Sea Resource Development Begins in January 2026
On December 23, 2025, Japan's Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) announced that it will conduct the world's first rare earth mud mining system connection test in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surrounding Minamitorishima Island. This groundbreaking trial will take place from January 11 to February 14, 2026, utilizing the deep-sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" to operate at depths of approximately 6,000 meters below sea level.
This test is part of the Cabinet Office's Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) project "Building Maritime Security Platforms" and represents the first step toward industrializing Japan's domestic rare earth production—a historic undertaking that could reshape global supply chains.
What is Rare Earth Mud and Why Minamitorishima?
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements essential for modern technology, including smartphones, computers, electric vehicle motors, and wind turbines. Heavy rare earths such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are particularly crucial for manufacturing high-performance magnets.
The seabed around Minamitorishima, Japan's easternmost island, contains massive deposits of "rare earth mud"—sediments with exceptionally high concentrations of these critical minerals. The estimated reserves total approximately 16 million tons, making it the world's third-largest rare earth deposit.
Interestingly, fish played a key role in creating these ultra-high-concentration deposits. Research from Waseda University reveals that during a global cooling period around 34 million years ago, enhanced ocean circulation created nutrient-rich waters where fish populations thrived. As fish died and their bones accumulated on the seafloor, they concentrated rare earth elements from seawater to unprecedented levels.
Innovative "Closed-Loop Circulation System" Prioritizes Environmental Protection
JAMSTEC's newly developed mining system employs a "closed-loop circulation method" that builds upon the "mud circulation system" used in offshore oil and gas drilling. This approach minimizes the leakage and dispersion of suspended particles generated during mining operations, significantly reducing environmental impact on the deep-sea ecosystem.
The system works by deploying mining equipment to the seafloor, where it breaks up the rare earth mud into a slurry that is then pumped to the surface through riser pipes. Simultaneously, environmental monitoring will be conducted both on the seabed and aboard the ship using international standards (ISO) issued by SIP to rigorously assess the ecological impact of mining activities.
Seafloor observation equipment including "Edokko-1 COEDO," environmental DNA auto-sampling devices, and hydrophones will be installed to collect marine environmental data around the clock during operations.
Breaking Free from China Dependency: A Matter of Economic Security
This project draws global attention primarily due to its implications for economic security. Currently, China controls approximately 60-70% of global rare earth production and a staggering 90% of refining and processing capacity.
During the 2010 Senkaku Islands dispute, China effectively restricted rare earth exports to Japan, severely impacting Japanese manufacturing. More recently, in April 2025, China strengthened export controls on seven rare earth elements in retaliation for U.S. tariff measures, forcing some Japanese and American automakers to temporarily halt production.
Japan still imports about 60% of its rare earths from China, with near-total dependence (close to 100%) on Chinese sources for critical heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium used in EV motors.
Successful development of Minamitorishima's rare earth mud would provide Japan with a stable domestic supply source, significantly strengthening its supply chain resilience.
Steps Toward Full-Scale Mining in 2027
The upcoming connection test aims to verify the operational integrity of the mining system by lowering connected equipment to the 6,000-meter seafloor and testing the penetration of mining machinery into the seabed. This phase focuses on system validation rather than large-scale rare earth extraction.
Building on successful lifting tests conducted in August 2022 from 2,470-meter depths, JAMSTEC will now tackle the much more challenging 6,000-meter depth environment.
Data and expertise gained from this connection test will inform the planned full-scale mining trial in February 2027, targeting approximately 350 tons of extraction per day. The recovered rare earth mud will undergo separation and refining tests at land-based facilities to complete final verification for practical application.
Challenges and Timeline for Commercialization
Many hurdles remain before rare earth mud can be commercially exploited. These include perfecting mining technology for the extreme 6,000-meter environment, reducing costs, optimizing separation and refining processes, and most importantly, completing comprehensive environmental impact assessments.
Current projections suggest commercialization will begin in fiscal year 2028 or later. However, the project benefits from collaboration among research institutions including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Kyoto University, Kochi University, and the University of Tokyo, as well as private companies such as Toyo Engineering, JGC Corporation, Modec, and Toa Corporation—forming a robust public-private partnership accelerating technological development.
Notably, Minamitorishima's rare earth mud contains virtually no radioactive or hazardous materials, unlike terrestrial rare earth ores. This characteristic offers the potential for simplified and more cost-effective separation and refining processes.
International Deep-Sea Resource Development Competition
Deep-sea mineral resource development has captured global attention beyond Japan. Various countries are advancing plans to extract seabed resources rich in rare metals, including manganese nodules and cobalt-rich crusts in international waters of the Pacific Ocean.
However, Minamitorishima's rare earth mud holds strategic significance for Japan as it lies within Japan's EEZ, allowing development without requiring permissions from other nations.
JAMSTEC has already conducted two years of environmental impact baseline surveys following guidelines established by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The agency has contributed collected data to UNESCO's international database OBIS, demonstrating commitment to transparent and responsible development.
Japan's Comprehensive Rare Earth Strategy
The Minamitorishima project forms one pillar of Japan's multifaceted rare earth strategy. To reduce Chinese dependency, Japan has pursued several complementary approaches:
- Diversifying Supply Sources: Investing in overseas rare earth companies like Australia's Lynas Corporation (through Sojitz and JOGMEC) and France's Caremag (through Iwatani Corporation and JOGMEC)
- Developing Alternative Technologies: Research into rare-earth-free magnets and magnets requiring significantly reduced quantities
- Promoting Recycling: Improving rare earth recovery from used electronics and appliances ("urban mining")
- Strengthening National Stockpiles: Expanding strategic rare earth reserves through JOGMEC
- Developing Domestic Resources: The Minamitorishima rare earth mud project
By combining these strategies, Japan has successfully reduced its Chinese dependency from approximately 90% in 2010 to around 60% today. The Minamitorishima project's success could drive even greater reductions.
Conclusion: A Japanese Challenge Watched by the World
JAMSTEC's Minamitorishima rare earth mud mining project represents a historic endeavor attracting global attention both technologically and strategically. Resource extraction from the extreme 6,000-meter depth environment is unprecedented, and success would open new frontiers in deep-sea resource development.
Beyond being a technological challenge, this project serves as a cornerstone of Japan's economic security strategy. Securing stable supplies of strategic materials like rare earths is crucial for Japan's industrial competitiveness and national security.
The connection test beginning with the ship's departure on January 11, 2026, marks the first step in this journey. The world watches with great interest as Japan pursues this pioneering challenge, hoping it will achieve sustainable deep-sea resource development.
How does your country secure critical mineral resources? We'd love to hear about the approaches your nation takes to ensure stable supplies of strategic materials like rare earths.
References
- https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/about/press_release/20251223/
- https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/about/press_release/20221018/
- https://www.spf.org/opri/newsletter/596_3.html
- https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOSG1699X0W5A610C2000000/
- https://www.dlri.co.jp/report/macro/556237.html
- https://www.spf.org/spf-china-observer/document-detail071.html
Reactions in Japan
The rare earth development at Minamitorishima is finally moving forward! Reducing dependence on China is crucial for economic security. Hoping for success.
6,000 meters deep... That's technically incredible. I hope Japan shows the world the true power of its deep-sea technology.
I'm worried about environmental impact. Deep-sea ecosystems are largely unknown, so I hope they proceed carefully. The closed-loop circulation system is commendable though.
Commercialization after fiscal 2028... That's still a long way off. Who knows what the relationship with China will be like by then. Can't they proceed faster?
The story about fish bones concentrating rare earths is amazing. Nature's mechanisms are truly incredible. It's a gift from Earth's history.
I'm glad to see the deep-sea drilling vessel 'Chikyu' in action. There was criticism about its high maintenance costs, but this is when it proves its worth.
I'm worried that ultimately it won't be practical due to cost issues. Mining costs seem likely to be higher than land-based mines.
Hearing it's the world's third-largest reserve is exciting! Japan might finally join the resource-rich nations.
Considering the relationship with China, I think complete independence is difficult. But having more options is good. It increases negotiating power.
Since it's a SIP project, taxpayer money is being used. They need to clearly explain the benefits to citizens and maintain transparency.
With EV adoption accelerating, rare earth demand will only increase. It's wise to advance development now.
The fact that it contains almost no radioactive or hazardous materials and has low environmental impact is wonderful. Environmental destruction at Chinese mines has been a problem.
Combining this with urban mining and recycling is important. We shouldn't rely only on extraction but aim for a circular economy.
Honestly, it's unclear how much time and money will be needed until practical application. I'm worried it might stall midway.
Hearing about the 350 tons/day mining test in 2027 makes it feel real. I like that they're proceeding step by step.
It's reassuring that private companies are participating. It means they're thinking about business profitability, not just technology development.
I'm concerned about losing deep-sea biodiversity. They've conducted a 2-year baseline survey, but is that sufficient?
I'm proud that Japan is taking on this world-first challenge. It can demonstrate our presence as a technology-driven nation.
Even if we can extract rare earths, the problem is that refining technology is concentrated in China. We need to domesticate not just extraction but also the refining process.
Even with 16 million tons of reserves, it's not immediately usable. We need to watch from a long-term perspective. But it's meaningful as an investment in the future.
This is groundbreaking! Mining from 6,000m depth is a technological feat. It's wonderful to see Japan taking leadership in this field.
I hope environmental impact assessments are conducted properly. Deep-sea ecosystems are extremely fragile and difficult to recover once destroyed.
I understand Japan's strategy to reduce dependence on China. However, I believe the rare earth market becomes more sustainable through cooperation.
Securing resources for the EV revolution is important. However, I'm concerned that mining costs might be too high to be economically viable.
Latin America also has abundant mineral resources, but environmental considerations are often lacking. There's much to learn from Japan's closed-loop circulation system.
Commercialization in 2028 might be an overly optimistic projection. The technical and economic challenges of deep-sea mining will be greater than imagined.
India is also working on diversifying rare earth procurement. I think we should explore possibilities for cooperation with Japan.
German automotive industry also faces rare earth supply risks. If Japan's project succeeds, it will create new options in the international market.
From a sustainable development perspective, recycling and urban mining should be prioritized. New extraction should be a last resort.
The Middle East prospered with oil, but an era is coming where rare earths become the new strategic resource. Japan's efforts are noteworthy.
The EU is also strengthening its rare earth strategy, but we don't have our own resources like Japan. An international cooperation framework is needed.
South Korea faces similar challenges. We should watch Japan's technological progress and consider possibilities for future cooperation.
The story about fish bones concentrating rare earths is fascinating! Understanding natural processes is key to sustainable development.
Australia cooperates with Japan through Lynas, but deep-sea mining is a completely new frontier. Looking forward to technological success.
France's Caremag is also partnering with Japan. Diversifying the rare earth market is important to break China's monopoly.
Canada is also promoting a critical minerals strategy. If Japan's deep-sea mining technology succeeds, a new industrial model will emerge.
Russia also has rare earth resources, but development has been slow. Japan's technological innovation is inspiring.
Brazil started operating a large-scale rare earth mine in 2024. Cooperation with Japan can strengthen supply chains outside China.
From Singapore's perspective, stabilizing Asia-Pacific supply chains is crucial. Japan's project could benefit the entire region.
The US is also aiming to reduce Chinese dependence, but domestic mine development faces environmental regulatory barriers. Japan's environmentally conscious approach is instructive.