Japan Launches First Deep-Sea Test Amid China Tensions

Japan has initiated the world’s first experiment to extract rare earth elements from deep-sea mud, aiming to decrease its dependence on Chinese supplies amid rising geopolitical and trade tensions. The government-backed Chikyu vessel departed on Jan. 12 for waters near Minamitori Island, a remote Pacific coral atoll, to investigate seabed mud containing rare earth elements roughly four miles deep. If successful, this would be the first sustained effort globally to directly lift rare-earth-rich sludge from the ocean floor onto a ship.

The project reflects Tokyo’s push to secure stable supplies after China tightened control over critical minerals. Recent reports indicate Beijing banned exports of dual-use items, including certain minerals, to Japan’s military, and broadly restricted rare earth shipments, though China has not officially confirmed these measures. State media have suggested that additional restrictions are under consideration.

The Minamitori Island project represents Japan’s first attempt to source rare earths domestically rather than abroad. “The long-term solution is producing rare earths within Japan,” said Takahide Kiuchi, Executive Economist, Nomura Research Institute. “If China’s new export restrictions cover many rare earths, Japanese firms will once again look to reduce reliance on China, but it will not be simple.”

No production target has been announced. If the test proves feasible, the government plans a full-scale demonstration by February 2027, recovering daily volumes of seabed material. Since the mud cannot be processed at sea, it would be shipped to Minamitorishima, where seawater would be removed using equipment similar to industrial spin dryers, reducing volume by about 80%. The material would then be sent to mainland Japan for separation and refining.

Mexico’s Evolving Position on Deep-Sea Mining

Mexico has not yet engaged in marine mining but holds significant potential, ranking 12th globally for marine area and located near prolific seabed mineral regions. An early signatory and ratifier of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Mexico has been active in International Seabed Authority (ISA) discussions. Santiago Suárez, Partner, SLM, told MBN that Mexico’s stance on deep-sea mining has evolved: while it initially supported accelerating the ISA’s regulatory processes in July 2023, by November 2023 it joined 25 other nations in calling for a moratorium on seabed mining.

Through a joint statement from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico urged other countries to suspend seabed mining in national jurisdictions and the high seas until adequate environmental impact studies are completed. The country also announced it will not endorse international licenses until these conditions are met but remains open to collaborating with the ISA once regulations are established, likely adjusting its position within a framework of international legal certainty.