Rare Earth Research Ship Departure

Japanese researchers have set sail for an expanse of seabed where they hope to mine rare earths. The vessel Chikyu left Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture on Monday. It’s traveling to waters about 150 kilometers southeast of Minamitorishima Island inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Scientists have found that the seabed, 6,000 meters below the surface, has high concentrations of rare earths.

The minerals are vital to high-tech industries. Chikyu is owned by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. The work is part of a Cabinet Office project. The researchers plan to test newly developed pipes and mining equipment for about 20 days. They are scheduled to return on February 14.