ISTANBUL

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Thursday that Tokyo is considering developing rare earth minerals in waters off Japan's easternmost island in the Pacific.

Japan will "examine specific ways to cooperate" with the US on resource development near Minamitori Island, Takaichi told a House of Councillors debate session, according to Kyodo News.

Clays containing rare earth elements have been discovered in waters near Minamitori Island, an uninhabited area about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.

Takaichi said the government plans to carry out a trial to extract clay from the deep sea, about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) below the surface.

The Japanese prime minister signed an agreement with US President Donald Trump on Oct. 28 regarding cooperation to secure critical minerals and rare earths.

Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in April that Japan would begin test drilling for rare earths in the waters this fiscal year to start full-fledged drilling in fiscal 2028.

Technologies like electronics, defense systems, renewable energy, and electric cars depend on rare earths.