Japan is set to begin test mining for rare-earth-rich mud from the deep seabed off Minamitori Island in early 2026, according to a Reuters report.

Spearheaded by the Cabinet Office's national platform for innovative ocean developments, the project marks what is claimed to be the world's first attempt to extract mud from the seabed for the separation and refining of rare earth elements.

The initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national security.

Programme director Shoichi Ishii was quoted as saying: “The goal is to secure a domestic supply to enhance national security, rather than to enable private companies to profit from selling rare earths.”

Surveys have confirmed the presence of rare-earth-rich mud at depths of 5km to 6km within Japan's exclusive economic zone near Minamitori Island, approximately 1,900km south-east of Tokyo.

The mud is said to contain critical elements such as dysprosium and neodymium, essential for electric vehicle motor magnets, as well as gadolinium and terbium, used in various high-tech products.

The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology will operate the deep-sea exploration vessel to extract the mud.

Pipes from the vessel will extract the mud, which will be transported to the mainland to ascertain its rare earth content.

The project's success could lead to trial operations of a system that can recover 350 tonnes of mud per day by January 2027.

While the project is government-funded, details regarding the investment size and estimated reserves have not been disclosed.

This initiative is part of Japan's broader efforts to strengthen maritime and economic security by developing domestic rare earth production.

The project follows similar moves by the US aimed at advancing the exploration and development of offshore critical minerals. Last month, the US Department of the Interior announced measures to simplify regulations and expedite approval processes for offshore mineral projects.