In a key step toward rare earth independence, Japan's research vessel Chikyu set sail from Shizuoka on January 12 for Minamitori Island waters to extract resource-rich seabed mud—building on responses to China's recent export restrictions, as previously covered. The mission coincides with G7 finance ministers' talks on supply chain security in Washington.
Japan is advancing domestic rare earth production amid ongoing tensions with China over export curbs. On January 12, the government-backed Chikyu departed Shizuoka port for a month-long mission, 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, attempting the world's first continuous lift of rare earth-rich sludge from 6 km underwater.
Project leader Shoichi Ishii stated: “One of our missions is to build a supply chain for domestically produced rare earths to ensure a stable supply of minerals essential to industry.” Funded with 40 billion yen ($250 million) since 2018, success could pave the way for full-scale mining trials in February 2027.
This follows China's January 6 dual-use export ban to Japan's military and reported broader restrictions on heavy rare earths (per Wall Street Journal)—prompting Japan's G7 pushback plans, as reported earlier. Reliance on China has fallen from 90% to 60% via partnerships like Sojitz-Lynas, recycling, and tech shifts, but heavy rare earths for EVs remain a vulnerability. Nomura's Takahide Kiuchi noted: “The fundamental solution is to be able to produce rare earths inside Japan,” warning diversification challenges.
Trade ministry's Kazumi Nishikawa emphasized sustained efforts: “We have to maintain continuous efforts.” Last June's surveys near the island saw nearby Chinese naval ships, heightening crisis sense; China claimed lawful actions.
Parallelly, G7 finance ministers convene in Washington Sunday-Monday, hosted by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with attendees from Canada, Australia, South Korea, India, Mexico, and the EU focusing on critical minerals.
