[SMM Flash: Japan to Conduct Large-Scale Trial Mining of Rare Earths in Minamitorishima Waters in FY2027] As part of a national research initiative, Japan plans to conduct experimental rare earth mining within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surrounding Minamitorishima Island in January 2026, utilizing vessels from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). This effort aims to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths and promote domestic resource development.

During the mining process, Japan will employ JAMSTEC's deep-sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" to recover rare earth-rich mud from depths of 5,500 meters below the ocean surface. The mud contains significant quantities of dysprosium and gadolinium (Gd), the latter of which can be used as a reactor control material.

However, the economic viability of the Minamitorishima rare earth mining project remains uncertain. On one hand, due to the remote location of the mining area, transportation costs will be prohibitively high even if mud is successfully recovered from the seabed. On the other hand, the technology for refining rare earths from the mud still requires further development.

Under the plan, the project will conduct large-scale trial mining in FY2027 to verify the capability of recovering 350 mt of mud per day, with the associated costs of rare earth recovery also expected to be estimated.