16-year project yields breakthrough in economic security, reducing reliance on Chinese exports amid tensions
The Japanese government successfully conducted a test mining operation for mud containing rare earth elements near Minamitori Island, located southeast of the Japanese archipelago, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 2nd. The newspaper assessed, “This success marks a significant step toward domestic production of rare earth elements, especially as China leverages them as a diplomatic tool.”
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, successfully extracted rare earth-rich mud from a depth of 5,700 meters within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitori Island using its research vessel *Chikyu* on the 1st. The “Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP),” initiated by the Japanese Cabinet in 2010, has finally yielded visible results after 16 years. In 2010, Japan began its rare earth mining project after recognizing it as a security risk when China, amid territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands, restricted rare earth exports.
Japan invested approximately 40 billion yen to develop mud-crushing mining equipment and specialized recovery pipes. In 2022, it successfully suctioned mud from a depth of 2,400 meters off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture. This time, the equipment functioned normally even at more than double the depth and under extreme water pressure. The Yomiuri Shimbun noted, “This is the world’s first attempt to apply oil and natural gas extraction technology to lift sediment to a research vessel.”
In 2013, University of Tokyo researchers discovered mud with high concentrations of rare earth elements in this area. Estimates suggest at least 16 million tons of rare earth elements are present—ranking third globally after China and Brazil. Since the estimates emerged, the area has been regarded as a frontline for Japan’s economic security.
Japan’s all-out response to counter China’s resource weaponization, exemplified by rare earth elements, is evident. Following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a “Taiwan contingency,” bilateral relations deteriorated, and on the 6th of last month, China restricted exports of dual-use items, including rare earth elements, to Japan. The *Chikyu* departed from Shizuoka Prefecture’s Shimizu Port six days later, on the 12th. Japan plans to complete an economic feasibility analysis of the project by March 2028. If proven commercially viable, rare earth elements from the Minamitori Island area could become a game-changer in bilateral relations.
However, analysts suggest the Japanese government is inflating expectations for “domestic rare earth elements” ahead of the House of Representatives election on the 8th, despite the lack of concrete results. As concerns grow over economic damage from worsening relations with China, the government aims to present hope for supply chains less dependent on China. Additionally, the Takaichi administration, advocating for a “strong Japan,” likely views taking a hardline stance against China as advantageous for the election.
By – https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/02/03/ZPHF22Q455A5VO7T4OYDOTD5JE/