Japan has successfully recovered rare earth elements essential for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense technologies through a deep-sea drilling test near Minamitori-shima, a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. This development represents a potential step toward diversifying supply sources and reducing reliance on China-centric supply chains.
The test was conducted near Minamitori-shima, highlighting Japan's efforts to secure critical materials domestically and strategically within the Asia region.
Sources:
- Nikkei Asia, "Japan pulls rare earths from Pacific seabed in drilling test," July 24, 2026, link
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