Japan and the United States are set to explore rare earth metal deposits near Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean, according to reports by Reuters citing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The island, located approximately 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, is believed to contain silt deposits potentially rich in rare earth elements.
The Japanese government has prioritized developing domestic rare earth metal production as part of broader efforts to enhance maritime and economic security. Plans include testing extraction methods from depths of around 6 kilometers. If initial sampling proves successful, the project aims to produce 350 tons daily starting January 2027, with U.S. collaboration in developing the site.
A framework agreement signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo in October 2019 sought to secure rare earth supplies amid concerns over China’s dominance in manufacturing critical materials used in industries ranging from automotive to aerospace.
