02-07-2025
Japan's Furukawa uses mining expertise to extract seabed rare earths
A machine gathers seabed resources in a test south of Japan's Minamitorishima atoll. (Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security)
SAYUMI TAKE
TOKYO -- Japanese conglomerate Furukawa is leveraging its terrestrial mining know-how to develop prototype equipment that can extract rare-earth elements and rare metals from the ocean floor.
The group, which is focused on mining and machinery, holds about 20 maritime-mining-related patents including joint filings, placing it among the top Japanese companies in the field. Discussions about commercialization are now picking up with the Trump administration in the U.S. showing interest.
