Au Australian rare earth miners Loading... : Investor Sentiment and Bull/Bear Views

China has used rare earth export controls as a strategic weapon, but Japan's successful pilot extraction of high-quality, low-radioactivity rare earth mud from 5,700-6,000 meters in the deep sea could help Japan achieve rare earth independence if commercialized. The deposit is described as potentially equal to about one-third of global reserves and usable for 800 years. Japan is also reducing China dependence through urban mining and recycling, investment in Australian mines, and US mineral supply cooperation. However, the project is still pilot-stage, refining and environmental costs are high, and marketability must be confirmed before private production targeted for 2028, so this is a developing setup rather than a confirmed shift.