日本完成南鸟岛海底稀土泥试采

Core Viewpoint - Japan has successfully achieved the world's first continuous recovery of rare earth mud from a depth of 5,569 meters, with plans for large-scale trials in 2027 to verify a recovery capacity of approximately 350 tons of mud per day, aiming for industrialization post-2028 fiscal year [1][4][6]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project is led by Japan's Cabinet Office and is part of the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), focusing on the utilization of seabed resources [1][4]. - The SIP project began in 2014, with the first phase focusing on next-generation marine resource investigation technology, and has progressed to experimental mining at a depth of about 6,000 meters near Minami-Torishima [2][6]. - A large-scale verification test is planned for February 2027, with the goal of establishing a domestic production industry for rare earth elements by the end of the 2028 fiscal year [2][6]. Group 2: Resource Potential and Economic Implications - The seabed near Minami-Torishima is estimated to contain over 16 million tons of rare earth resources, including heavy rare earth elements essential for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles and nuclear reactor control systems [6][4]. - Currently, approximately 70% of global rare earth production is dominated by China, and Japan relies on China for 63% of its rare earth imports as of 2024, highlighting the need for domestic supply chain development [6][7]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Prospects - Japan faces significant challenges in utilizing seabed resources, including the lack of existing rare earth refining equipment and the need to build infrastructure from scratch [6][7]. - The economic viability of seabed mining remains uncertain, as the project heavily relies on government subsidies, raising concerns about market competitiveness and profitability [7]. - Despite these challenges, there is a viewpoint that developing the technology to establish a domestic supply chain is crucial for Japan's economic security and potential industrial competitiveness as a maritime nation [7].