Focal Point on Deep-sea Resources

Vital to many expanding technologies, rare-earth deposits were identified in Japan’s deep-sea clays in 2013. Scientists have been contemplating the technical and environmental challenge this presents.

A combination of refined sub-bottom acoustic sensing technology and core sampling is revealing the seafloor's history and the likely location of rare-earth elements.

Coordinated teams of self-driving vehicles, both above and below the water, will scan and map vast areas of unexplored seabed.

Muds found at roughly 6,000m are an untapped source of resources vital to renewable batteries and other advanced technologies. To reach them, Japan must figure out how to mix and pump mud from the deep.

Japanese researchers are contributing to affordable technology and informing international guidelines on how to monitor the impact of exploration in the ocean’s depths.