Tokyo and Washington have agreed to explore the possibility of mining rare earth elements in the area of Minamitori Island. The joint project aims to strengthen raw material independence and reduce the dependence of global supply chains on China.
Japan and the United States are considering the prospect of joint development of rare earth minerals deposits in Japan’s exclusive economic zone located around Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean. As Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said, this issue became one of the key topics of negotiations with US President Donald Trump during his recent visit to Tokyo.
During the meeting, the parties signed a framework agreement aimed at ensuring a stable supply of strategic materials necessary for the production of modern technology – from electronics and electric vehicles to defense systems. The new project will be part of a long-term program that should reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers of rare earth metals.
According to the Japanese government, the ocean floor in the Minamitori area at depths of up to 6,000 meters contains significant amounts of silt with a high content of rare earth elements. In January 2026, it is planned to conduct test drilling and begin assessing the economic feasibility of production.
If tests confirm industrial potential, Japan intends to deploy a pilot underwater sediment collection system with a capacity of up to 350 tons per day by 2027. The project will involve leading scientific institutes of both countries, as well as private companies specializing in marine technologies.
Japan views the development of its own deposits as a step towards strengthening national security and technological sustainability. According to analysts at Eurasia Group, today China accounts for about 70% of global production of rare earth metals, while the United States accounts for only 12% and Myanmar about 8%.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: reuters.com
