Will Japan rewire global rare earth supply chains with its deep-sea breakthrough?

TOKYO – Japan’s successful, world-first mission to extract rare earth deposits from the seabed at depths of nearly 5,600m beneath the Pacific surface – far deeper than Mount Fuji is tall – has ignited fresh optimism that Tokyo can break Beijing’s grip on critical mineral supply chains.

The clay-like sludge pumped up from the abyssal depths surrounding Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost point located 1,950km southeast of Tokyo, is remarkably rich in highly coveted medium and heavy rare-earth elements.