Japan Launches Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mission Amid China Export Curbs

• Japan initiated a month-long mission near Minamitori Island to extract rare earths from the seabed, aiming to reduce reliance on China.
• The test vessel Chikyu will attempt the world's first continuous lifting of rare-earth-rich sludge from 6 km depth.
• This project gains urgency as China has banned exports of dual-use items to Japan's military and reportedly restricted broader rare-earth exports.
• The government-backed project, costing 40 billion yen, seeks to diversify Japan's rare earth procurement and achieve technological breakthroughs.
• Despite high costs, the project could become viable if China's supply disruptions continue and prices rise, with a full-scale trial planned for 2027.

Why It Matters: Japan embarks on a pioneering deep-sea mining mission to secure rare earth independence from China.