{
  "id": 6226207,
  "title": "The global race for rare earths reaches the ocean floor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/the-global-race-for-rare-earths-reaches-the-ocean-floor",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-08T03:31:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Al Majalla English",
    "slug": "al-majalla-english",
    "url": "https://en.majalla.com/node/332930/business-economy/global-race-rare-earths-reaches-ocean-floor"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The global race for rare earths is now extending to the ocean floor, as evidenced by the discovery of yttrium in deep-sea mud samples off the coast of Minami Torishima, Japan. Yttrium, an oxide found in small quantities in some foods, is a critical element used in various high-tech applications, including LEDs, mobile phone screens, camera lenses, and even in the production of laboratory diamonds.\n\nJapan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, announced the discovery of large yttrium deposits in July 2026, emphasizing its importance due to its unique properties. However, extracting, refining, and utilizing this rare earth element poses significant challenges. China currently dominates the rare-earth sector, from extraction to magnet production, which has prompted the United States and Japan to seek alternative resources.\n\nThe United States and its allies are exploring deep-sea mineral resources, including the ocean depths and polar regions, to diversify their critical-mineral supply chains and reduce their exposure to external shocks. Japan, recognizing the strategic value of yttrium, is planning extraction trials in its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), while also collaborating with the US and other allies through a memorandum of cooperation.\n\nDespite the progress, the commercial viability of extracting rare earths from the seabed remains uncertain. The process is complex, requiring specialized facilities, technology, and expertise at every stage, from mining to refining and manufacturing. While Japan is preparing larger-scale tests to assess the economic feasibility of extracting rare earths from the ocean floor, questions remain about the cost and practicality of transporting, processing, and refining the extracted materials.",
  "summary": "The global race for rare earths reaches the ocean floor newspress_en Tue, 09/08/2026 - 04:31 Business & Economy On 25 July this year, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed what was in the deep-sea mud samples scooped up off the island of Minami Torishima a few months earlier: the silvery-white metallic chemical element yttrium, contained within the kind of ore more typically known as…",
  "key_points": [
    "Japan discovers large yttrium deposits off Minami Torishima in July 2026.",
    "US and Japan explore deep-sea mineral resources to diversify critical-mineral supply chains.",
    "Extracting rare earths from seabed is complex and uncertain in commercial viability."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Japan's discovery of large yttrium deposits on the ocean floor shifts its strategy to reduce reliance on China, diversify supply chains, and secure a foothold in the critical-mineral market.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}