U.S.-Japan governments deepen seabed minerals cooperation

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U.S.-Japan seabed minerals cooperation

Highlights

United States and Japan reaffirm seabed mineral resource cooperation under an expanded framework to diversify critical mineral supplies and strengthen industrial resilience.
Progress includes Japan’s rare-earth mud and polymetallic nodule projects, with joint priorities on secure supply chains, technology transfers, and proprietary safeguards.
Both governments seek to harmonize domestic and international regulations to boost private investment, ensure commercial viability, and offer longer-term industry certainty.

Policy framework and industry priorities

As reported by U.S. Department of State, the United States and Japan are reaffirming support for responsible seabed mineral resource development as part of a broader effort to diversify critical mineral supplies and strengthen industrial resilience. The statement says both governments see seabed resources as a way to create commercial opportunities while supporting national security and economic security goals.

The cooperation builds on the United States-Japan Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing, signed in October 2025, and on a Memorandum of Cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry signed in March 2026. The two governments also welcome progress under that memorandum, including the second meeting of the U.S.-Japan Working Group held on November 11 and 12 in Toyama, Japan.

Officials discussed Japan's rare-earth mud project near Minamitorishima Island and its polymetallic nodules project, alongside wider engagement among government representatives, industry participants, researchers and technical experts. The joint priorities include deeper ties across the full seabed mineral supply chain, more secure processing capacity among trusted partners, and safeguards for sensitive technologies and proprietary information.

Commercial and supply chain implications

The statement outlines a wider agenda for cooperation on deep-sea exploration, seabed mapping, resource characterization, environmental assessment, mitigation, monitoring and other advanced technologies. The two sides also plan to explore joint research and technology demonstrations, including possible coordination on access to vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles and other relevant assets.

On regulation, Washington and Tokyo say they want exchanges on best practices and support for clearer and more predictable rules that can facilitate private investment in the seabed minerals sector. They also say domestic and international regulatory regimes should work in a complementary way to improve commercial viability and provide longer-term certainty for industry.

The two governments say they will continue whole-of-government coordination and practical cooperation, drawing on their scientific, industrial, diplomatic and financial capabilities. They also intend to seek additional partnerships and encourage private-sector investment as they work to strengthen critical mineral security in both countries.

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