南鳥島近海：稀土元素測試鑽探將於2026年1月開始
– 儲量達1600萬噸，位居世界第三
– 日本海洋科學技術振興機構（JAMSTEC）開發專屬經濟區深海資源
摘自勝又久義在《世界觀》雜誌上的文章。
Nikkei Online Edition: (dated June 28)
Published an article titled “The rare earths lying dormant in Minamitorishima are the third largest in the world,
and are also abundant in resources subject to export restrictions from China.”
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology: (JAMSTEC)
Test drilling of rare earths will begin offshore Minamitorishima in January 2026.
1. The deep-sea drilling vessel “Chikyu” will collect mud containing rare earths 5,500 meters below the sea surface.
2. With China responsible for the majority of rare earth production in the world, the aim is to develop domestic resources.
The seabed of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
Japan’s waters are home to promising rare earth resources.
It is located in a promising area (2,500 km2) off Minamitorishima.
1. In 2013, “rare earth mud” containing high concentrations of rare earths was discovered under the seabed of Minamitorishima (Tokyo).
2. There are over 16 million tons of rare earth deposits just off the coast of Minamitorishima, making it the third largest in the world.
Types of rare earths:
Seven types, including dysprosium, are medium and heavy rare earths.
1. According to Professor Kato of the University of Tokyo, about 50% of the rare earth mud is medium and heavy rare earths.
2. Most medium and heavy rare earths are produced in China. They are subject to export restrictions announced by the Chinese government in April.
3. Japan’s “rare earth mud” is of high quality, while Minamitorishima’s “rare earth mud” contains a lot of medium and heavy rare earth elements.
The rare earth quality is 20 times higher than that of inland China. .
Profitability of commercialization is an issue: (Professor Kato of the University of Tokyo)
In 2021, the University of Tokyo Rare Earth Mud and Manganese Nodule Development Promotion Consortium conducted an economic evaluation.
1. If 3,500 tons of rare earth mud is raised per day, it will be profitable even at the price range of the past 20 years.
2. Full-scale operation will begin in January 2027, with the aim of lifting 350 tons of mud per day.
3. In 2022, the world’s first successful lifting of mud from the seabed at a depth of 2,470 meters will be achieved.
“Rare earth mud” off the coast of Minamitorishima:
1. Japan’s offshore resource “rare earth mud” is rich in “medium and heavy rare earth elements” that are subject to Chinese restrictions.
2. China, which holds 70% of production, has restricted exports in response to the United States.
Securing rare earths, which are essential for EVs, is a challenge for the global automobile industry.
Japanese government: Rare earth mud development policy:
In April 2025, connection tests for a “mud lifting pipe” that will pull up rare earth mud from a depth of 6,000 meters began.
1. The Japanese government will establish a rare earth production system by fiscal 2028.
2. What is noteworthy is that it contains a large amount of medium and heavy rare earth elements, which are rare due to China’s export restrictions.
British research company: Argus Media:
In European prices, which serve as a price index outside of China, the prices of dysprosium and terbium as of the beginning of May had soared by about three times from a month ago.
1. This is the highest level since May 2015, when data became available.
2. As of early June, prices are still at their highest levels.
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