Japan plans to start extracting rare earth elements from the seabed near Minami-Torishima Island in fiscal 2025, beginning January 2026, according to Nikkei Asia (gated).

In brief:

The project, aimed at reducing dependence on China for critical minerals used in electric vehicles and electronics, was originally set for 2024 but was delayed due to a late pipe delivery.

• Location: Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, near Minami-Torishima Island

• Resources: Mud rich in rare earths, including cobalt and nickel

• Timeline: Extraction to begin in early 2026

• Strategic Goal: Diversify Japan’s supply chain for rare earths, currently dominated by China

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