Even Now, Protect Rare Earths Mining from Interference, Influence Operations

Test mining of rare earths mud from the deep seabed off the coast of Minamitorishima is scheduled for January and February 2026. Administratively part of Tokyo, Minamitorishima is in the Ogasawara Islands, approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo.

The deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu set sail on January 12 to seek treasures buried beneath the ocean floor. Owned by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology known as JAMSTEC, the vessel possesses some of the world's most advanced capabilities.

This is seen as an important first step for the Japanese government's efforts to confirm the feasibility of utilizing strategic resources lying within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Rare earths are essential materials for manufacturing electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, and even defense equipment. They are the foundation that supports the industrial structure in the era of decarbonization and artificial intelligence. As a result, ensuring this resource's stable availability is critical for the nation's economy and national security.

However, currently, Japan is still dependent on China for a large share of its rare earths supply. Consequently, any export restrictions and political decisions imposed by the Chinese government could make it difficult to obtain.

Safely Mining the Deep Seabed

Off Minamitorishima, the mining process involves suctioning and collecting mud from the surface layer of the seabed. To limit the impact on the deep-sea ecosystem, a closed circulation system is being used in the mining operation. This consists of a bell-shaped device and long pipes that prevent the spread of the turbid water caused by the mining.

The significance of this exploratory drilling goes beyond simply confirming the amount of mineral resources present in the area.

*JAMSTEC's unmanned probe, installed on the vessel "Chikyu," will be used for rare earth exploration in January. (Courtesy of SIP/JAMSTEC)*

It addresses the question of whether the series of technological systems being tested can truly work. Engineers must show the capability to steadily pump mud from the abyssal zone of the ocean at depths of 6,000 meters. Once onboard the ship, the recovered mud must be processed and analyzed.

Thus, the Chikyu's mission goes beyond research. It will also be engaged in a challenge to test the full potential of Japan's marine technology. If successful, this will be a major achievement in terms of both resource security and marine technology.

For Japan, self-sufficiency in rare earths procurement would be a way to bypass external risks. Notably, China restricted exports to the United States in April 2025, in retaliation for tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Furthermore, there were cases in the past where Beijing halted exports to Japan due to friction over the Senkaku Islands.

*Japan’s easternmost island, Minamitorishima, Tokyo.*

Harnessing Its Own Resources

There are concerns about potential outside attempts at indirect interference once the Minamitorishima recovery gets fully underway. These could take such forms as attempts at diplomatic restraints. Other forms could include influence operations to sway international public opinion against Japan's extraction under the pretext of environmental protection.

Therefore, the government needs to articulate the legitimacy of its actions under international law. That includes strengthening its explanations and information dissemination based on scientific data.

At the same time, it must also improve its maritime surveillance system.

Will Japan remain a country without mineral resources? Or will it become a country that can harness the precious resources that lie beneath its own waters?

All of Japan must embrace the ambition to succeed in this world-first attempt at deep-seabed exploration drilling. By doing so, the nation will prove its ability to pass on a sustainable resource base to future generations.