Japan Unearths Rare Earth Mud; Singapore Reaches for the Stars

Japan successfully retrieved rare-earth-rich mud from the deep seabed for the first time, part of an initiative to reduce dependency on China's mineral supplies. Concurrently, Singapore announced the launch of its space agency to capitalize on the global space economy, utilizing its strengths in advanced manufacturing and technology.

In a groundbreaking development, Japan announced the successful extraction of rare-earth-rich mud from the seabed, conducted as a test mission. The retrieval, completed from depths of 6 km near Minamitori Island, marks a significant stride in reducing Japan's dependency on China for crucial mineral resources.

Setting sail on January 12, a Japanese scientific drill ship embarked on a mission aimed at exploring these mineral-rich deposits. This innovative venture is part of Tokyo's ongoing efforts to diversify its source of critical minerals amid geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, Singapore revealed plans to launch its own space agency by April 1, driven by the burgeoning global space economy. Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry emphasized the nation's advantage in advanced manufacturing and technology, highlighting its ambition to seize new opportunities in the space sector.