Rare earth elements are used in the production of batteries, electric vehicles, electronics, wind turbines, and defense technologies. Despite being a major high-tech producer, Japan still imports a significant portion of its rare earth needs.
Significant reserves have been discovered in deep-sea areas off the coast of Japan, which could meet the country’s needs for decades. Research and an assessment of the potential environmental impact are currently underway.
The project is viewed not only as an industrial one, but also as a strategic one, given geopolitical instability and periodic restrictions on rare earth metal exports by China.
π The development of deep-sea mining means increased demand for:
β specialized research vessels,
β underwater mining systems,
β new environmental and maritime regulatory standards.
βοΈ Rare earth element mining could change the balance of strategic raw material supplies and strengthen Japan’s role as an independent player in a critical technological chain.
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