中国稀土（5）沉睡日本海底的中重稀土

Core Viewpoint - Japan has discovered a significant amount of rare earth mud around Minami-Torishima, with reserves exceeding 16 million tons, ranking third globally. Approximately 50% of this mud contains medium and heavy rare earth elements, which are subject to export controls by China, highlighting the importance of securing these resources for Japan's domestic industries [1][2]. Group 1 - The potential rare earth resources in Japan's waters were identified by a research team from the University of Tokyo in 2013, with the Minami-Torishima area alone estimated to hold over 16 million tons of rare earths [2]. - The Japanese government plans to initiate the development of rare earth mud starting in 2025, with a goal to establish a production system by 2028 [2][3]. - The economic feasibility of extracting rare earth mud has been evaluated, indicating that if 3,500 tons are harvested daily, profitability can be achieved across various price ranges over the past 20 years [2][3]. Group 2 - The Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) aims to extract 350 tons of rare earth mud daily after January 2027, with a focus on increasing extraction volumes [3]. - There are significant technical challenges in refining the extracted mud to usable purity levels, and environmental impacts must also be assessed [3][4]. - The geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have increased uncertainty in rare earth procurement, leading to production halts in some automotive and parts manufacturers in Europe and the U.S. [3][4]. Group 3 - The high barriers to entry for domestic rare earth mining and refining pose a risk to Japan's high-tech industry development, necessitating continuous technological innovation, including resource conservation and recycling [4].