Japan retrieves rare earth rich mud from deep-sea floor in world first operation

Japan achieves a world-first by retrieving rare earth rich mud from deep sea depths, opening new pathways to secure critical mineral supply chains.
By Inspenet. on February 5, 2026
Japan retrieves rare earth rich mud from deep-sea floor in world first operation

Japan has successfully recovered rare earth rich mud from the ocean floor at depths of around 6,000 meters near Minamitorishima Island, marking a world-first technological milestone, according to Reuters.

The recovered material is believed to contain critical elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, gadolinium and terbium—key inputs for defense systems, electric mobility and advanced electronics.

A breakthrough in deep-sea resource access

The operation demonstrates Japan’s ability to access mineral resources in extreme deepwater conditions, an engineering threshold that could reshape future sourcing strategies for rare earths.

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Strategic implications for supply chains

Rare earth elements are essential to modern manufacturing and energy transition technologies. Japan’s success supports broader efforts to diversify supply chains amid global concerns over concentration of refining and processing capacity.

Technical and environmental challenges

Extracting resources at extreme depth requires pressure-resistant systems, remotely operated subsea tools and robust environmental monitoring. Any pathway toward commercialization would require further validation, regulatory alignment and safeguards.

Global context

As governments and industries seek long-term access to strategic minerals, Japan’s deep-sea milestone signals a potential shift in how nations approach critical resource security.

Sources