日本公开采集稀土泥全过程

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Cabinet Office announced successful extraction of rare earth mud from the Minami-Torishima sea area, with potential commercial mining starting in February 2027 if experiments succeed. However, Japanese media express doubts about the feasibility of deep-sea rare earth mining [1]. Group 1: Industry Insights - Rare earth elements are critical materials for manufacturing chips, electric vehicles, and weapons, with China controlling nearly 70% of global rare earth production [1]. - The primary challenges facing the industry include the technology required for extraction and refining, as well as the substantial costs associated with the necessary equipment and vessels [1]. Group 2: Environmental Concerns - Environmental issues pose a significant barrier, with organizations warning that deep-sea mining could damage fragile marine ecosystems [2].