The latest research estimates that deep-sea mud in the exclusive economic zone of Japan contains 16 million tons of rare earth resources, minerals and thorium. According to U.S. statistics, China reserves 44 million tons of rare earth oxides.

The Geological Survey estimated that “Japan will ship the rare earth minerals to its own laboratories first. The first step is to determine whether it is a rare earth deposit. The second step is to consider “whether we can establish enough production scale to make it Commercially feasible? "Kingsnorth said," These are still very early for now. ”