World’s First Deep-Sea Rare Earth Quest: Japan Turns to the Deep for Critical Minerals

In January 2026, Japan’s scientific drilling vessel Chikyu will embark on a mission unlike any before: retrieving sediment from 5,500 meters below sea level near the distant island of Minami Torishima. This is the first-ever venture into such extreme ocean depths for rare-earth mineral collection, a bold leap into uncharted territory. The primary aim isn’t volume, but feasibility. Over three weeks, Chikyu will collect around 35 tonnes of deep-sea mud, each tonne expected to yield approximately 2 kg of rare-earth elements (REEs), metals vital to modern life. Why These Metals Matter to Japan and WorldRare earth elements and metallic minerals—including dysprosium, neodymium, and yttrium—are essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced defense systems. Yet, for decades, production has been dominated by China, which controls around two-thirds of mining and over 90% of refining. Japan’s deep-sea move is equally strategic and economic. Within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), surveys have uncovered 230 million tons of manganese nodules rich in cobalt and nickel, enough to meet decades of domestic demand.Testing the Waters: Technology, Trials, and TransparencyThe heart of this endeavor is technological preparedness. The Chikyu mission isn’t commercial mining—it’s an advanced engineering trial, validating undersea drilling and sediment retrieval systems at unprecedented depths. Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme (SIP) includes rigorous environmental monitoring to minimize harm—using enclosed chambers and live data feeds to track impacts, with safety shutoffs built in. This pilot will set the stage for potentially larger-scale extractions planned for 2027, aiming to pump 350 tons per day from the ocean floor.Secure Supply Chains in a Tense Geopolitical EraJapan’s move aligns with its commitments under the Quad-Plus partnership alongside the U.S., India, and Australia to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. It’s also a lesson from history: after China restricted rare-earth exports during a 2010 diplomatic spat, Japan scrambled to diversify its sources. This January marks more than a scientific test—it’s a turning point. Japan is embracing the ocean’s mysteries and reimagining how critical materials can be obtained in a sustainable, sovereign way. It’s a story of innovation, stewardship, and resilience in a world hungry for secure, responsible resource solutions. As the Chikyu descends into unfathomed depths, it carries more than pipes and sensors—it carries Japan’s vision for a future where technology, ecology, and national strength converge beneath the waves.