Japan finds a ‘rare earth giant’ 6000 meters below the ocean that could power the world for almost 700 years

Japan has retrieved samples from a massive rare earth elements deposit located 6000 metres below the Pacific Ocean - referred to as the 'rare earth giant'. The discovery identifies a deposit of over 16 million tons of specialised oxides, with successful extraction tests already underway from the Minamitorishima region, where the rare earth elements and yttrium muds were located; this is more than adequate to supply the global demand for yttrium and dysprosium for over 700 years.

This discovery highlights how deep-sea resources are becoming increasingly important in meeting future technological demands, especially as global reliance on renewable energy and advanced electronics continues to grow rapidly.