Overview
- The Chikyu research vessel lifted rare-earth-bearing seabed mud from around 6 km near Minamitorishima in Japan’s exclusive economic zone in what officials describe as a first at that depth.
- Recovery began on Jan. 30 with the first confirmed haul on Feb. 1, and JAMSTEC says operations have concluded at three sites.
- The ship is scheduled to arrive at Shimizu port on Feb. 15, when testing will assess volumes and concentrations of dysprosium, neodymium, gadolinium and terbium.
- A full-scale trial is slated for February 2027 targeting up to roughly 350 tons of mud per day, with a profitability assessment planned by March 2028.
- China has tightened exports of dual-use goods to Japan and dominates rare-earth supply, and components maker TDK reports impacts from the curbs, reinforcing Tokyo’s diversification push.