Tokyo – June 26, 2025: In a bold technological leap, Japan is preparing to become the first country in the world to launch full-scale, commercial deep-sea mineral extraction, a move that could reshape global access to critical rare earth metals essential for high-tech industries and clean energy transition.
The groundbreaking project, led by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), aims to tap underwater mineral deposits found thousands of meters below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, near Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
What Minerals Will Be Extracted?
Japan’s undersea mining initiative will primarily target:
- Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts
- Rare earth elements (REEs)
- Nickel, copper, and lithium
These materials are crucial for manufacturing:
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
- Smartphones and electronics
- Wind turbines and solar panels
Japan currently imports nearly 100% of its rare earths, much of it from China. The new extraction plan is aimed at reducing dependency and securing a stable, domestic supply.
Where Will the Mining Take Place?
Exploration will begin in the Minami-Torishima region, a remote Japanese island surrounded by deep-sea nodules rich in rare earths. Early surveys suggest these deposits are among the largest and most concentrated globally.
Environmental and Technological Hurdles
While the initiative marks a milestone in seabed mining, it has raised concerns among environmental scientists and global conservation groups:
- Disruption of fragile marine ecosystems
- Potential toxic sediment plumes
- Lack of comprehensive international regulations on deep-sea mining
“We must balance economic security with environmental stewardship,” said a METI spokesperson.
“Japan is committed to high environmental standards and international cooperation.”
Japan’s project will involve robotic mining vehicles, automated deep-sea drills, and underwater transport systems — most of which are being developed indigenously.
Global Implications and Race for Resources
This move may spark a global race for deep-sea minerals, especially among nations like:
- China, already dominant in REE processing
- The United States, pursuing alternatives to Chinese imports
- European countries, investing in green energy supply chains
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to establish binding frameworks for commercial exploitation in international waters, making Japan’s domestic-zone mining a test case for future regulations.
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