Japan pulls rare earths from Pacific seabed in drilling test

Japan has recovered rare earth elements critical to semiconductors, electric vehicles and defense applications from a deep-sea drilling test near Minamitori-shima, a remote Pacific island. (Photo by Ryoko Shimonoya)SHOTARO TANIJuly 24, 2026 11:30 JSTTOKYO -- Japan has recovered rare-earth elements critical to semiconductors, electric vehicles and defense applications from a deep-sea drilling test, marking a potential step toward reducing its reliance on China-dominated supply chains. TOKYO -- Japan has recovered rare-earth elements critical to semiconductors, electric vehicles and defense applications from a deep-sea drilling test, marking a potential step toward reducing its reliance on China-dominated supply chains.

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