Japan announced today that sediments containing rare earth elements were extracted from a depth of 6,000 meters during sea exploration, AFP reported, BTA reported.
According to Tokyo, this is the world's first attempt to extract rare earth elements in waters at such a depth.
“Details will be analyzed, including the exact amounts of rare earth elements contained“ in the sample, said Kei Sato, a government spokesman. He described the discovery as a "significant achievement in terms of both economic security and maritime development."
The sample was recovered by the Japanese research vessel Chikyu, which sailed to the isolated Japanese island of Minami Torishima in the Pacific Ocean in mid-January. The surrounding waters are believed to be potentially rich in valuable minerals.
The announcement comes as China - the world's largest supplier of rare earth elements - is ramping up pressure on Tokyo after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo could respond militarily to an attack on Taiwan. an island claimed by Beijing.
Beijing has blocked exports to Japan of “dual-use” products that could have potential military applications, which has heightened concerns in Japan about a possible disruption in supplies of rare earth elements, some of which are included in China’s list of dual-use goods.
“Rare earth elements“ – 17 types of metals that are not particularly rare but are difficult and expensive to extract – are essential for entire sectors of the economy (automotive, renewable energy sources, digital technologies, defense, etc.), being used to produce powerful magnets, catalysts and electronic components.