Japan research vessel returns to port after collecting rare earth mud

SHIZUOKA, Japan - A Japanese research vessel returned to a port in central Japan on Saturday after collecting mud containing rare earth elements as part of a study on the feasibility of extracting critical minerals from the seabed.

Following the analysis of the mud samples, an implementation plan for a full-scale mining test slated for February 2027 will be drawn up. The government plans to evaluate the cost benefits of industrializing deep-sea rare earths by March 2028.