Japan has announced the discovery of a new strategic resource that could reshape the global supply landscape. The finding was revealed after a deep-sea test mission was completed, with the results made public on Monday (February 2, 2026). Japanese authorities said rare earth elements were found on the seabed at a depth of around 6,000 meters, or roughly 20,000 feet. The samples were collected by the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu, which sailed last month to the remote Pacific island of Minami Torishima.

Japan stated that the mission marked the world’s first attempt to extract rare earth elements from such extreme ocean depths. The waters surrounding Minami Torishima, located within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, are estimated to contain more than 16 million tons of rare earth metals, which the Nikkei business daily described as the world’s third-largest reserve.

Government spokesperson Kei Sato said the samples would undergo further analysis to determine their exact composition and volume. He described the achievement as significant for both economic security and comprehensive maritime development.

The discovery aligns with Japan’s broader effort to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals. China currently dominates the rare earth market, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global mining output and 92% of worldwide processing capacity, according to the International Energy Agency.

Tensions have risen after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in November that Tokyo could respond militarily to any attack on Taiwan. Beijing has long pledged to bring Taiwan under its control, including by force if necessary. China has since restricted exports of so-called dual-use goods to Japan, fueling concerns in Tokyo that supplies of rare earth metals could also be disrupted.

Rare earth elements, a group of 17 metals that are difficult to extract, are essential for products ranging from electric vehicles and wind turbines to hard drives and missiles. Takahiro Kamisuna, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said that if Japan can sustainably extract rare earths near Minami Torishima, it would secure domestic supply chains for key industries and significantly reduce dependence on China, making it a major strategic asset for the Takaichi administration.