US and Japan Partner for Responsible Deep-Sea Mineral Development

The United States and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on responsible seabed mineral development, a move that aims to diversify critical mineral supplies and create new commercial opportunities. This cooperation builds on the shared objectives set out in the US-Japan Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing, signed in October 2025. The framework seeks to secure critical mineral supply chains essential to the prosperity and national security of both countries.

The two governments have welcomed progress under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the US Department of Commerce and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, signed in March 2026. The second meeting of the US-Japan Working Group on November 11 and 12 in Toyama, Japan, discussed Japan's rare-earth mud project near Minamitorishima Island and its polymetallic nodules project. The meeting also focused on expanded engagement among government officials, industry stakeholders, researchers, and technical experts.

The US and Japan recognize the potential for responsible seabed mineral resource development to support their industrial bases and create new commercial opportunities. Deep-sea minerals are valuable ocean floor metals, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, and rare earth elements, usually found in polymetallic nodules, sulfides, and cobalt-rich crusts on the sea bed. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is one of the regions where these minerals are commonly found.

The two governments plan to advance several priorities, including deepening engagement with industry stakeholders and fostering trusted commercial partnerships across the full seabed mineral supply chain. They also aim to secure processing capacity among trusted partners to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive technologies and proprietary information. Furthermore, they will exchange information and best practices on advanced technologies and methodologies related to deep-sea exploration and resource development.

The US and Japan intend to explore opportunities to advance scientific understanding by coordinating access to and use of vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, and other relevant assets in support of joint research and seabed exploration campaigns. They will also facilitate regulatory exchanges related to best practices, including mitigation and monitoring, technological advancements, and environmental assessments. This cooperation aims to promote clear, streamlined, and predictable regulatory approaches that facilitate private investment in the seabed minerals sector.

The partnership between the US and Japan seeks to support commercial opportunities, encourage private-sector investment, and foster trusted partnerships across mineral supply chains. By accelerating responsible seabed mineral resource development, the two countries aim to strengthen critical mineral security and advance their shared economic security. The cooperation will mobilize their complementary scientific, technological, industrial, diplomatic, and financial strengths.

The US-Japan alliance considers economic security cooperation indispensable, and secure, resilient, and diversified critical mineral supply chains essential to their prosperity and national security. By working together, the two countries can ensure a stable supply of critical minerals, reduce their reliance on vulnerable supply chains, and promote sustainable development of seabed mineral resources.

Key points

• The US and Japan are cooperating on responsible seabed mineral development to diversify critical mineral supplies and create new commercial opportunities.
• The partnership aims to secure critical mineral supply chains essential to the prosperity and national security of both countries.
• The cooperation will promote clear, streamlined, and predictable regulatory approaches to facilitate private investment in the seabed minerals sector.