Story perspectives

Japan Pursues Deep-Sea Mining Amid Rare Earths Crisis

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

China's export controls on rare earths intensify Japan's dependence and push Tokyo to pursue deep-sea mining.
The Minamitorishima project is politically significant but faces high costs and technological limitations.
Japan's reliance on China for refining heavy rare earths remains a critical vulnerability for the electric vehicle sector.
Extraction costs are projected at $70,000 per ton.
If it fails to meet expectations, the initiative risks Japan's industrial resilience and credibility.

1 of 1

Story summary

China's export controls on rare earths intensify Japan's dependence and push Tokyo to pursue deep-sea mining.
The Minamitorishima project is politically significant but faces high costs and technological limitations.
Japan's reliance on China for refining heavy rare earths remains a critical vulnerability for the electric vehicle sector.
Extraction costs are projected at $70,000 per ton.
If it fails to meet expectations, the initiative risks Japan's industrial resilience and credibility.