July 16, 2026

Critical-mineral security might justify scientific exploration, but not ecological shortcuts into the deep sea.

On June 29, the Japanese prime minister instructed relevant ministers to accelerate the development and commercialization of rare-earth extraction from seabed mud within its exclusive economic zone around Minamitorishima (Marcus Island).

This follows a February 2026 announcement that Japan had successfully recovered rare-earth-rich sediment from a depth of nearly 6,000 meters in the same area, with a full-scale mining trial expected in 2027.

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https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/16/WS6a5830c1a310986e2b46581e.html