日本拟2027年之前在南鸟岛建稀土泥处理设施

Core Viewpoint - Japan is focusing on developing domestic rare earth resources to ensure economic security, particularly in light of the fact that China dominates approximately 70% of global production. The South Bird Island area is rich in rare earth mud, which is crucial for high-tech industries like electric vehicles (EVs) [4]. Group 1 - The Japanese government plans to construct a facility for processing rare earth-containing marine mud on South Bird Island by 2027 as part of the "Strategic Innovation Creation Program (SIP)" [2]. - The rare earth mud in the South Bird Island area has been found to contain minimal harmful radioactive substances, making it easier to process [4]. - A trial for recovering rare earths from the seabed at a depth of about 6000 meters is set to begin in 2026, with the aim of confirming the ability to collect 350 tons of rare earth mud daily during the official trial in February 2027 [5]. Group 2 - The processing facility on South Bird Island will utilize a dehydration device similar to a washing machine to remove seawater from the mud, reducing its volume to one-fifth of the original, thus facilitating efficient transportation [5]. - After the dehydration process, the rare earth mud will be transported to Japan's mainland for further separation and verification of the extraction process [5].