Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

10:11‒10:19 a.m.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Successful test mining of rare earth mud off the coast of Minamitorishima Island

Q: The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) succeeded in test mining rare earth mud off the coast of Minamitorishima Island. Whether the deep-sea project will pay off is a challenge that needs to be addressed, but how do you anticipate it will affect Japan’s rare earth supply chain? Meanwhile, the People’s Republic of China has strengthened its export controls on rare earths. Please tell us what impact this has, and will have, if you are aware of anything at this time.

A: Regarding the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu, I am aware that the Cabinet Office has been conducting a field test on rare earth extraction in the waters around Minamitorishima Island since last month, and that rare earth mud has been successfully retrieved from a depth of approximately 6,000 meters. The industrialization of rare earth mud mining must await verification of the entire process from mining through separation and refining, as well as an assessment of its economic feasibility, taking into account the results of the ongoing test. However, the success achieved in deep-sea mud extraction in the research and development phase is a meaningful accomplishment from various perspectives, including economic security and comprehensive marine development. We have been concerned about the impact of China’s rare-earth export control measures implemented since April last year on global supply chains, including Japan’s. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will continue to proceed with measures to prevent instability in the supply of rare earths to Japan’s industry. Specifically, to diversify our supply sources, we will leverage measures incorporated in the FY2025 supplementary budget, the reserve fund recently approved by the Cabinet, and the FY2026 draft initial budget, while investing in and providing subsidies for mining and smelting projects in collaboration with like-minded countries.