Japan is planning to develop a dedicated ship to extract rare earth minerals from the deep sea, aiming to reduce its reliance on China and become a major global supplier. The country deployed a research vessel in February to retrieve rare earth sediments from a depth of 5,700 meters. This initiative faces significant technological, cost, and geopolitical challenges but is considered crucial for Japan's economy and national security due to its limited natural resources and vast exclusive economic zone. AI
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RANK_REASON Significant national initiative to secure critical resources and reduce geopolitical dependence. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.1]
