The United States and Japan plan to develop what they describe as the world’s deepest undersea mine to recover rare earth minerals from the seabed. A U.S.-Japan statement says the effort is linked to rare earth deposits located near a small Japanese island and is intended to support long-term industrial supply.
The plan targets rare earth extraction from about 6,000 meters below sea level, according to Bloomberg. The proposal is framed by both governments as a way to reduce reliance on external sources and respond to strategic competition, with multiple reports describing it as part of efforts to challenge China’s influence in critical minerals.
While details vary by outlet, both sources emphasize the same core elements: the undersea location near Japan, the targeted depth for mining, and the stated rationale of securing rare earths for industry. The reporting also ties the initiative to senior political figures in Japan and the U.S., reflecting how the project is being positioned as both an economic and security priority.
