The year 2010 marked a turning point for Japan’s economic security, with a territorial feud over the disputed waters near the Senkaku Islands leading to a crisis that exposed the country’s heavy reliance on China for critical minerals. The arrest of a Chinese fishing trawler captain, followed by China cutting off exports of rare earth elements to Japan, highlighted Japan’s vulnerability and sparked a push for a more secure supply chain.
Fifteen years later, Japan’s dependence on China for critical minerals has only increased, posing a significant risk as China asserts its dominance as a global supplier. In response, Japan recently launched a deep-sea mining test off Minamitorishima Island to collect minerals from the seabed. This groundbreaking experiment marks the world’s first attempt at prolonged collection of minerals from great depths and aims to reduce Japan’s reliance on China for critical minerals.
The expedition, led by the Japan Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology, is targeting rare earth elements like neodymium and yttrium, essential for various technologies including electric vehicles and solar panels. The project comes on the heels of a collaboration agreement between Japan and the United States to secure a supply of critical minerals. Deep-sea mining has gained attention as nations seek to diversify their sources of critical minerals amid geopolitical tensions.
Successive Japanese governments have recognized the importance of securing a domestic supply of critical minerals to ensure the country’s industrial future and national security. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office last year, has emphasized the need to balance Japan’s transition to carbon neutrality with maintaining industrial competitiveness and energy stability. Takaichi has proposed reducing subsidies for imported solar technology in favor of nuclear power and strategic mineral reserves to protect key industries.
According to experts like Jane Nakano, Japan does not face an either-or choice in its energy and mineral policies. By investing in a diverse energy mix and securing a stable supply of critical minerals through initiatives like deep-sea mining, Japan can navigate the challenges of achieving carbon neutrality while safeguarding its industrial and economic interests. The ongoing mining test off Minamitorishima Island represents a critical step in Japan’s journey towards greater economic security and energy independence. Energy security and energy transition are closely tied,” she said. This statement by an expert highlights the intricate relationship between ensuring a stable energy supply and transitioning towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As countries around the world grapple with the challenges of meeting their energy needs while also addressing climate change, the importance of striking a balance between energy security and energy transition becomes increasingly evident.
In Japan, this delicate balance is being tested as the country ventures into deep-sea mining in search of rare earth minerals. Unlike China, Japan lacks the sedimentary geology associated with rare earth deposits on land, leading it to explore the resources lying nearly 20,000 feet beneath the surface of the ocean within its exclusive economic zones. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan has the right to exploit these resources, including the atoll island of Minamitorishima.
The decision to engage in deep-sea mining is driven by mounting geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, which has restricted its exports of rare earth minerals to Japan. While proponents argue that the benefits of extracting these minerals outweigh the challenges of deep-sea mining, concerns about the ecological impact of this technology are growing. Scientists and environmental groups warn of potential harm to marine ecosystems, including the disruption of habitats, pollution, and irreversible damage to the seafloor.
Despite assurances from government officials that ecological impacts will be closely monitored, critics like Shigeru Tanaka of the Pacific Asia Resource Center raise valid concerns about the long-term consequences of deep-sea mining. Tanaka argues that the industry often disregards international law and risks harming fisheries and infringing upon the rights of indigenous communities who view the sea as sacred. Even within the Japanese government, voices of caution have been raised, emphasizing the need to establish robust systems that consider environmental impacts before proceeding with deep-sea mining.
As Japan embarks on this new chapter of its energy journey, the world watches closely to see how the country balances its energy security needs with its commitment to sustainability. The outcomes of Japan’s deep-sea mining experiment will not only have implications for the country’s energy future but will also serve as a case study for other nations facing similar challenges. The pace and direction of this dual challenge of energy security and decarbonization will shape the future of global energy transitions and the sustainable use of natural resources. Researchers are embarking on a groundbreaking mission to explore deep-sea mining off the coast of Japan. One of the key objectives is to determine the capacity of the system to hold material and to prevent the release of sediment plumes into the water column or seafloor.
The ambitious project involves deploying a 6,000-meter pipe that can withstand extreme pressure of about 8,700 pounds per square inch, which is 600 times the pressure at sea level. If successful, the system will be able to extract 35 metric tons of mud, paving the way for a larger trial including polymetallic nodules in February 2027.
A significant long-term goal is to develop “hybrid mining,” where both rare-earth mud and polymetallic nodules can be collected and separated in a single operation. This innovative approach could potentially increase efficiency and streamline the extraction process.
However, Japan is also grappling with the challenge of energy consumption associated with acquiring and refining a stockpile of rare earth minerals. The high demand for electricity raises questions about the environmental impact of using resources such as liquified natural gas or coal for extraction and processing.
Despite these challenges, Japan’s deep-sea mining experiment has not faced significant opposition domestically. In contrast to countries like the United States and Australia, where environmental activists and Indigenous communities have raised concerns about the impact of mining operations, Japan’s project has proceeded relatively smoothly.
As the country continues its deep-sea mining test, the implications of success and the long-term consequences remain uncertain. Some experts believe that by the time the technology is fully developed, the demand for rare-earth minerals may diminish. Nevertheless, Japan remains committed to exploring new frontiers in deep-sea mining, pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological innovation.
