Japan and the United States are initiating a joint study on the possibility of extracting rare earth elements from the waters near Minamitorishima Island, located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo. This initiative resulted from negotiations between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which a framework agreement was signed for cooperation in securing supplies of rare earth raw materials.
This is reported by Business • Media
Japan Develops Its Own Rare Earth Mining
Significant deposits of sediment containing rare earth elements, which are strategically important for technological sectors ranging from electric vehicle production to modern military equipment, have been discovered near Minamitorishima Island. The Japanese government is actively promoting a national project to develop domestic rare earth mining, viewing it as part of comprehensive measures to strengthen the country’s maritime and economic security.
Canada and the U.S. Intensify Efforts Against China’s Dominance
Canada has also announced substantial investments in critical minerals and collaborative projects with allies totaling $4.6 billion. The government’s decision involves using the Defense Production Act to establish strategic reserves of rare minerals aimed at countering China’s dominance in the global market. Similar steps have previously been taken by the U.S. The allocated funds for developing Canada’s mineral base are part of the country’s increasing defense budget in line with NATO commitments.
“Countries have signed a framework agreement to ensure supplies of rare earths to counter China’s dominance over materials used in a wide range of high-tech industries – from cars to fighter jets.”