The Japanese government, under the Liberal Democratic Party, has taken a significant step towards resource independence by initiating the construction of a new rare-earth mining ship. The move, aimed at securing strategic materials for high-tech industries, reflects a broader ambition of Japan to boost own resources amidst geopolitical tensions and supply constraints. The timeline or the location for the ship’s operation has not been specified yet.

Rare-earth elements are crucial for various high-tech and green technologies, including electric vehicles and wind turbines. Japan's domestic production is limited, and it primarily relies on imports, largely from China. The decision to construct a specialized vessel is seen as an attempt by the ruling party to improve the nation's resource security and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.

While the US and EU recognize the strategic importance of rare earth elements, their approach has been more focused on diplomatic and trade strategies to diversify their supplies rather than directly investing in offshore mining ventures. They also have stringent policies with regards to offshore mining due to environmental considerations.