Japan and U.S. Collaborate on Rare Earth Mining Near Minamitori Island to Counter China’s Dominance

Japan and the United States are set to jointly explore the development of rare earth mining around Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Thursday. The initiative follows discussions between Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need to secure a stable supply of rare earth elements critical for industries ranging from electric vehicles to advanced defense systems.

During Trump’s visit to Tokyo, both nations signed a framework agreement to strengthen cooperation in rare earth production and reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market. According to the Eurasia Group, China leads the world in rare earth extraction, while the U.S. and Myanmar hold 12% and 8% of global output respectively.

Minamitori Island, located about 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, holds promising reserves of rare earth-rich mud within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Surveys have confirmed the presence of substantial deposits at depths of 5,000 to 6,000 meters. Japan plans to begin feasibility tests in January to assess the potential of extracting rare earth mud from a depth of 6,000 meters.

Takaichi stated that if initial tests prove successful, Japan aims to commence trial operations in January 2027 using a recovery system capable of extracting up to 350 metric tons of mud per day. The project is part of Japan’s broader national strategy to enhance maritime and economic security by developing domestic rare earth resources.

This collaboration underscores Japan and the U.S.’s shared commitment to diversifying global rare earth supply chains and reducing dependence on China’s production capacity, marking a strategic shift in the global resource landscape.