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Japan Successfully Retrieves Rare-Earth Mud from 6 km Depth

2/4/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Japan's government announced on February 2, 2026, that it retrieved rare-earth–rich seabed mud from a depth of 6 km during a test mission.
The drill ship Chikyu departed January 12 for Minamitori Island, marking the first attempt to continuously lift such materials from these depths.
Recovery operations began January 30.
The mud contains dysprosium and neodymium.
Japan plans a full-scale mining trial in February 2027 amid China export restrictions.

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Story summary

Japan's government announced on February 2, 2026, that it retrieved rare-earth–rich seabed mud from a depth of 6 km during a test mission.
The drill ship Chikyu departed January 12 for Minamitori Island, marking the first attempt to continuously lift such materials from these depths.
Recovery operations began January 30.
The mud contains dysprosium and neodymium.
Japan plans a full-scale mining trial in February 2027 amid China export restrictions.