Overview
- JAMSTEC’s drill ship Chikyu began lifting seabed mud on Jan. 30 near Minamitorishima, confirmed the first successful retrieval on Feb. 1, and completed operations at three locations.
- The government says the mission is the world’s first continuous lift of rare-earth-bearing mud from roughly 6 kilometers below the surface.
- Samples will be analyzed after the vessel returns to Shimizu on Feb. 15 to determine volume and mineral content, including elements such as dysprosium, neodymium, gadolinium and terbium.
- Officials plan a full-scale mining trial in February 2027 if no major issues arise, followed by assessments of profitability, viability and environmental implications.
- Japan’s drive comes as China restricts exports of dual-use goods to Japan, with TDK reporting effects, and researchers estimate more than 16 million tonnes of rare earths around Minamitorishima.