TOKYO –
Multiple uncommon earth components important for high-tech merchandise have been confirmed in mud extracted from the deep seabed off Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island.
The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology mentioned evaluation of about 50 tons of mud collected in February 2026 by the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu discovered a number of uncommon and extremely useful uncommon earth components.
The supplies included yttrium and dysprosium, that are utilized in magnets for electrical car drive motors and different superior applied sciences.
Japan at present depends closely on China for uncommon earth provides, elevating expectations that the offshore deposits might help home manufacturing.
The company plans to conduct a full-scale mining trial in the identical space for about one month beginning in February 2027.