Japan's Marine Research and Development Organization (JAMSTEC) announced on July 24 analysis results showing rare earth mud recovered from waters near Minamitorishima contains approximately 54% medium-heavy rare earth elements including yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium. The samples were recovered in February from a depth of approximately 6,000 meters using the exploration vessel Chikyu. The analysis aims to verify the composition and viability of deep-sea rare earth resources as Japan seeks to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies through domestic production.
JAMSTEC Confirms 54% Medium-Heavy Rare Earth Composition in Recovered Samples
JAMSTEC's analysis of approximately 50 tons of recovered seabed mud confirmed that 54% of the total rare earth content consists of medium-heavy rare earth elements including yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium. The composition breakdown shows 29.9% yttrium used in semiconductor manufacturing and defense applications, 4.9% gadolinium applied in nuclear reactor control materials, and 4.6% dysprosium utilized in electric vehicle materials. The analysis detected no toxic substances or radioactive materials in the samples. JAMSTEC did not disclose the total rare earth weight or concentration obtained from the recovery operation.
Full-Scale Mining Trial Scheduled from February 2027
JAMSTEC will conduct a comprehensive mining trial in the same waters starting in February 2027 for approximately one month. The collected rare earth mud will be transported to Minamitorishima for dehydration processing into mud cake, then shipped to mainland Japan for separation, refining, and smelting process verification. Japanese authorities will complete an overall assessment of domestic rare earth industrialization, including economic viability evaluation, by March 2028 based on data obtained from the verification processes.
Japan-US Cooperation Agreement Reached on November 7, 2025
Japan and the United States reached an agreement on November 7, 2025 to jointly develop rare earth resources in waters surrounding Minamitorishima. The island is located approximately 1,950 kilometers southeast of Tokyo at Japan's easternmost point. Surveys confirmed the surrounding waters contain substantial deposits of rare earth-rich seabed mud. The cooperation aims to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies.
FAQ
What percentage of medium-heavy rare earths did JAMSTEC find in Minamitorishima seabed mud?
JAMSTEC announced on July 24 that analysis results showed approximately 54% of the total rare earth content in recovered samples consists of medium-heavy rare earth elements including yttrium, gadolinium, and dysprosium.
When will Japan conduct full-scale rare earth mining trials near Minamitorishima?
JAMSTEC will conduct a comprehensive mining trial starting in February 2027 for approximately one month, with industrialization assessment to be completed by March 2028.
