Japan Strikes Ocean Gold: Rare Earth Discovery Challenges China's Monopoly

• Japan successfully extracted rare earth element-rich sediment from 6,000 meters deep in the Pacific Ocean, a first-of-its-kind achievement.
• The mission was conducted by Japan's deep-sea drilling vessel 'Chikyu' near Minamitorishima island, within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• This discovery is crucial as rare earths are vital for modern technology (EVs, mobile phones, defense) and China currently controls 66% of mining and 92% of refined supply.
• The find, estimated at 16 million tons, could meet Japan's demand for dysprosium for 730 years and yttrium for 780 years, reducing reliance on China.
• This breakthrough comes amidst heightened China-Japan tensions and could significantly strengthen Japan's economic security and strategic independence.

Why It Matters: Japan's deep-sea rare earth discovery significantly challenges China's monopoly, bolstering its economic security.