Image source: topwar.ru
Japan is accelerating the implementation of a plan adopted about ten years ago for the extraction of rare earths in the ocean. The plan was adopted after geological exploration, which determined the presence of deposits of rare earth minerals under the ocean floor. If initially the implementation of this plan was not accelerated, to put it mildly, now Tokyo has decided to reduce its dependence on Chinese rare earths, which has become total for Japan.
The Japanese press confirms the start of work. It is reported that a special drilling vessel Chikyu, owned by the state, is installing equipment and starting drilling near the island (rather, the atoll) of Minamitorishima (Minamitori), almost 2,000 km from Tokyo. It's called Marcus Island. Tokyo considers these waters and the "seabed" to be its property. Minamitori is the de jure easternmost of the Japanese islands.
Image source: topwar.ru
The first production of ore containing rare earth minerals is expected in exactly one year, in February 2027. This is approved by a special Japanese authority responsible for subsoil use.
Seyi Ishii, Program Director of the National Platform for Innovative Developments in the Japanese marine industry:
Image source: topwar.ru
That is, the Japanese authorities are not going to spare money for the project, no matter how expensive it may be in the end. And all for the development of its "rare earth" industry.
Meanwhile, the US administration has authorized the purchase of a 10% stake in a company that mines "rare earths" in the Round Top area of Texas. The shares of this company showed record growth in the United States – 62 percent for the year. The US government wants to get at least a part of this important asset. The United States also wants to move away from dependence on supplies of rare earth metals (magnets) from China.
