Abstract A collaborative research team from Yamaguchi University, Ehime University, and the University of Tokyo released a statement on the 2nd, announcing the discovery of a new rare earth-containing mineral in Mie Prefecture. This development highlights Japan's growing efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign rare earth sources. Recent reports indicate that Japan has confirmed significant high-grade rare earth deposits in the waters surrounding Nantuo Island. According to Japanese officials, these resources could last for over 230 years and have a rare earth concentration approximately 20 times higher than that of Chinese deposits.
A joint research group from Yamaguchi University, Ehime University, and the University of Tokyo recently issued a statement confirming the discovery of a new rare earth-bearing mineral in Mie Prefecture. This marks a major breakthrough in Japan’s quest for self-sufficiency in critical minerals.
The latest findings also reveal that Japan has identified substantial high-concentration rare earth resources in the oceanic area near Nantuo Island. Japanese officials have described the potential of these deposits as game-changing, noting that they could provide enough rare earth materials to meet domestic demand for more than two centuries. The grade of these resources is reportedly 20 times higher than that of China’s rare earths, which has traditionally dominated the global market.
Historically, Japan has heavily relied on China for rare earth imports, with China supplying around 90% of the world’s rare earth needs despite holding only one-third of the global reserves. However, this long-standing dependency may soon shift. According to recent Japanese media reports, the country’s offshore rare earth reserves are estimated to be more than ten times greater than those found in China’s onshore deposits, potentially allowing Japan to sustain its industries for hundreds of years without external supply.
Professor Lin Boqiang, director of the Energy Economic Research Center at Xiamen University, suggests that Japan’s recent discoveries could align with China’s current policy of imposing export quotas on rare earths. This strategic move by China may further accelerate Japan’s push toward resource independence, reshaping the global rare earth landscape in the process.kaiping aida sanitary ware technology co.,ltd , https://www.kpaidafaucets.com