Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 7, Japan and the United States will jointly conduct research on developing rare earth mining in waters around Minamitori Island in the Pacific Ocean, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Thursday. She said the co-development of rare earth resources was one of the main subjects discussed during her recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, November 1, 2025.

During Trump’s visit to Tokyo last week, the two nations signed a framework agreement aimed at ensuring a stable supply of rare earth materials. These elements are essential in a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and defense technologies.

Takaichi said there is a substantial accumulation of mud containing rare earth elements near Minamitori Island, located about 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. Japan plans to test the feasibility of extracting rare earth mud from a depth of about 6,000 meters in January. “We will consider specific ways to promote cooperation between Japan and the United States on rare earth development around Minamitori Island,” Takaichi stated.

The Japanese government is moving forward with a national project to enhance domestic production of rare earth materials as part of its broader strategy to strengthen maritime and economic security. An executive involved in the government-backed program confirmed that surveys have identified significant deposits of rare earth-rich mud at depths of 5,000 to 6,000 meters within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Minamitori Island.

If the upcoming extraction tests yield positive results, the project aims to begin trial operations by January 2027. The plan includes deploying a system capable of retrieving up to 350 metric tons of seabed mud per day, which could help establish Japan as a new source of critical materials used in advanced manufacturing sectors.

The global rare earth market remains highly concentrated, with China currently holding the largest share of production. According to the Eurasia Group, the United States and Myanmar account for approximately 12% and 8% of global rare earth output respectively. This concentration has prompted several countries, including Japan and the U.S., to explore diversification of supply sources and strengthen resource security cooperation.

Takaichi emphasized that the collaboration aligns with Japan’s ongoing efforts to expand its role in sustainable resource development and innovation in marine technology. The initiative reflects both countries’ interest in securing access to vital raw materials necessary for emerging industries and future technologies.

Separately, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Vietnam on Thursday after crossing the Philippines earlier in the week, where it caused significant casualties and damage. The storm has brought heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas of Vietnam, leading to emergency response efforts by local authorities.