• Japan retrieves sediment containing rare earths from 6,000 meters deep in the ocean.
• The mission marks a significant step in securing a domestic supply chain for essential minerals.
• China’s dominance in rare earth production triggers Japan's strategic shift toward alternative sources.

Japan successfully retrieved sediment rich in rare earth elements from ocean depths of 6,000 meters, an achievement highlighted by government spokesman Kei Sato as "meaningful" for both economic security and maritime development. This operation took place near Minami Torishima, with the Japanese government aiming to reduce its heavy reliance on China for essential rare earth minerals, especially given China's previous restrictions on exports for military use, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The mission, conducted on the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu, is noted as the world’s first attempt to tap deep-sea rare earths at such depths. The area surrounding Minami Torishima is believed to harbor significant quantities of rare earths, with estimates suggesting more than 14.5 million tonnes in the region, making it one of the largest reserves globally, as reported by Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

Experts highlight that the recovered sediment could contain valuable metals such as dysprosium and yttrium, essential for various technologies including electric vehicles and renewable energy. These deposits could potentially secure Japan's supply chain for key industries and lessen dependency on foreign sources, which is particularly critical amid rising geopolitical tensions with China, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and Channel News Asia.

The project not only aims to enhance Japan's resource independence but is considered a vital strategic asset for the government to withstand economic pressures exerted by China's rare earth export policies. With Beijing controlling a significant portion of global rare earth production, Japan's initiative serves as a critical move towards diversifying its sources and securing a stable supply chain for its industries, according to SCMP and Le Monde.