Japan found rare earth.

[tobelightlight]

Japan begins historic deep sea mining to break rare earth dependence on China.

Japan has launched a historic deep sea extraction mission targeting rare earth rich m&d 6,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean.

The mission is led by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology using its flagship drilling vessel Chikyu.

The test site lies near Minamitorishima, one of Japan’s most isolated territories and a strategic maritime asset.

Japanese officials say the seabed contains rare earth deposits valued at over 500 trillion yen, enough to reshape global supply chains.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the discovery could end reliance on a “specific country” widely understood to be China.

China currently dominates rare earth processing and has repeatedly restricted exports during political disputes.

If successful, this project could give Japan supply security for EVs, semiconductors, defense systems, and next generation technology.

The operation marks Japan’s boldest move yet to turn the ocean floor into a geopolitical advantage.

 

[tobelightlight]

I expect top notch phone from Sony in the near future.

 

[syed putra]

Japan begins historic deep sea mining to break rare earth dependence on China.

Japan has launched a historic deep sea extraction mission targeting rare earth rich m&d 6,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean.

The mission is led by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology using its flagship drilling vessel Chikyu.

The test site lies near Minamitorishima, one of Japan’s most isolated territories and a strategic maritime asset.

Japanese officials say the seabed contains rare earth deposits valued at over 500 trillion yen, enough to reshape global supply chains.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the discovery could end reliance on a “specific country” widely understood to be China.

China currently dominates rare earth processing and has repeatedly restricted exports during political disputes.

If successful, this project could give Japan supply security for EVs, semiconductors, defense systems, and next generation technology.

The operation marks Japan’s boldest move yet to turn the ocean floor into a geopolitical advantage.

View attachment 235020

I believe thus vessel was chartered by petronas 12 years ago. Operated by japan drilling company. At that time oil and gas was hot. Charter rate was usd500k per day.

 

[syed putra]

6000m under the Ocean wont be cheap to extract. And US can budge in and insist half the supply exported to them or face sanctions or tariffs.

 

[ftan42]

The vessel is currently navigating near Minamitori Island and has yet to extract any rare earth materials. Transporting thousands of tonnes of m&d daily demands constant pumping through pipes stretching nearly 6 kilometers. By early 2026, designing durable and efficient pipes for such extended lengths remains a significant engineering challenge, as standard offshore pipes typically measure only about 3.5 kilometers.

 

[laksaboy]

Tiongland should keep all the rare earths it produces, can consider eating rare earths to avoid starving to death in future.

Time to eat 观音土 again, trashy Tiongs.

 

[laksaboy]

I expect top notch phone from Sony in the near future.

I don't think Sony cares much about selling smartphones anymore. It makes plenty of money selling Playstations, camera sensors etc.

By the way, there's a roadshow at Funan today promoting the new Sony Alpha 7 Mark 5 cameras, can support them if you are a professional photographer.

 

[KingFook Sr]

Rare earth is present everywhere.
Even Singapore has plenty of rare earth.
.
The problem is refining it.
China can refine it efficiently and economically.

 

[k1976]

6000m under the Ocean wont be cheap to extract. And US can budge in and insist half the supply exported to them or face sanctions or tariffs.

More Huat ah Huat Price Hike ahead