Japan retrieves rare earth-rich mud from seabed to lower reliance on China

Japan retrieves rare earth-rich mud from seabed to lower reliance on China https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=69720 Japan conducted a first test retrieval of rare earth-rich deep-sea sediment near Minamitorishima using the vessel Chikyu; officials frame the operation as an initial step toward domestic production of critical minerals to enhance economic security. Further work under the Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme will focus on demonstrating the complete mining-to-refining process, analysing rare earth concentrations, assessing economic viability, and advancing research and feasibility studies before industrialisation. en-us Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:31:03 +0530 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:31:03 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator Japan retrieves rare earth-rich mud from seabed to lower reliance on China https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=69720 Japan conducted a first test retrieval of rare earth-rich deep-sea sediment near Minamitorishima using the vessel Chikyu; officials frame the operation as an initial step toward domestic production of critical minerals to enhance economic security. Further work under the Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme will focus on demonstrating the complete mining-to-refining process, analysing rare earth concentrations, assessing economic viability, and advancing research and feasibility studies before industrialisation. News - Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:31:03 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=69720