Japan attempts to mine rare earths from Pacific seabed in drilling test

Good news! Rare earths are not rare!

"... The Japanese scientific drilling vessel, Chikyu, completed a month-long mission in February near Minamitori Island, about 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo, marking the world's first successful attempt to continuously lift rare-earth-bearing seabed mud from depths of around six kilometres. ..."

Japan pulls rare earths from Pacific seabed in drilling test - Nikkei Asia (behind paywall) "Move marks potential step to reduce reliance on China-centric supply chain"

Japan to test rare-earth mining 6km underwater "Japan is seeking to curb dependence on China for the valuable minerals used in an array of high-tech products from missiles to wind turbines."

Japan finds high rare earth concentration in deepsea Pacific mud

Location of Minamitori Island (in red circle)Telim tor