Japan and U.S. Form Strategic Alliance for Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining

Japan and the United States have partnered to explore and mine deep-sea rare earth deposits near Minamitorishima, a remote Pacific island 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo. The seabed, at depths of 6,000 meters, contains rare earth elements vital for EVs, clean energy, and defense technologies. Pilot mining begins January 2026, targeting 350 tons of sediment daily by 2027. The alliance aims to reduce reliance on China’s near-monopoly while developing environmentally responsible mining technologies, despite technical and ecological challenges. The project underscores efforts to diversify supply chains and counter geopolitical risks.