The announcement follows a successful mission that recovered seabed samples from approximately 6,000 meters depth, containing yttrium — a scarce rare earth used in semiconductor manufacturing, automotive catalysts, and exhaust purification. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that drilling samples included traces of yttrium, with Japan's JAMSTEC agency also detecting gadolinium and dysprosium in the 50 tons of recovered material. Japan aims to reduce its heavy dependence on China, which controls nearly two-thirds of global rare earth mining and 92% of refined output. Tensions escalated after a November spat over Takaichi's comments on Taiwan led China to restrict supplies to Japan. Previous studies suggest the seabed near Minami Torishima could contain millions of tons of rare earths, potentially securing supplies for centuries. Takaichi stated the government will work with both public and private sectors to strengthen supply chain resilience and avoid over-reliance on specific countries. She also plans to discuss mining cooperation with the United States. Environmental groups, however, warn that deep-sea mining threatens marine ecosystems. In a separate development, officials are considering the uninhabited island as a potential site for nuclear waste disposal. (Bssnews)