Japan’s Confident Departure from China – Rare Earth Independence

Rare earth elements on land are

It is created through magma activity, and radioactive substances such as thorium and uranium are also concentrated.

->

In the process of extracting rare earth elements, these radioactive materials remain as waste, causing environmental and health problems.

rare earth elements in the seabed

The creation process is different.

Since the rare earth elements contained in the seawater itself accumulate and concentrate at the bottom, it does not contain radioactive substances such as thorium. If the seafloor mud here is salvaged,

Only rare earth elements that do not contain radioactive materials can be mined.

Japan already secured an area with large quantities of dysprosium within its exclusive economic zone in 2012. Minamitori Island

Japan discovered an area near Minamitori Island where dysprosium was economically concentrated, and discovered reserves that could last the world for 730 years.

The problem is cost-effectiveness and smelting. No matter how many reserves there are, if they are not economically feasible, they are useless.

Japan was postponing the development of the area to 2028 and was moving in the direction of securing sufficient rare earth stocks, but its movements have recently changed.

Trump visited Japan, and the U.S. and Japan confirmed an agreement on joint investment in rare earths in response to China’s restrictions on rare earths exports.

Recent research results have revealed estimated reserves and recovery methods.

The total amount of rare earths is more than 16 million tons, and dysprosium is

Announcement of reserves of idrium (Y), which is enough for the world to use for 730 years, equivalent to 780 years of ydrium (Y).

. person in charge

Professor Kato announced that if 3,500 tons of mud can be collected per day, the cheapest supply in the world will be possible.

Mining will begin in earnest in 2028 and will cost 140 billion yen (1.3 trillion won), but it is expected that all mining costs will be recovered and profits will begin to be made in 6 years.

In a few years, Japan could become a major producer of rare earths.

In fact, on November 10th, Sanae Takaichi announced at the ‘Japanese Growth Strategy Meeting’ that the country would break away from dependence on China for rare earth elements.

On November 11, 2025, Trump said in the Oval Office of the White House, “The United States will have all the rare earth elements it needs within two years.”

It is said that it is possible to secure the necessary rare earth elements by combining the three countries, Japan, Australia and the United States, with rare earth elements.

+

Korea has conducted basic research showing that dysprosium may be present on the seafloor near Dokdo.

One line summary

If Japan achieves a daily mud extraction volume of 3,500 tons, it will be able to produce 20 times higher concentration than Chinese mines through concentration technology, making it the cheapest rare earth material.

-1

Source

https://www.youtube.com/embed/qwXJi4y0p0I

https://m.youtube.com/watch