Japanese researchers claimed to find large reserves of rare earth, rare mineral consisting of a series of lanthanide and actinide content, on the seabed. Minerals that are used in various applications of high technology.

Geologists estimate there are 100 billion tons of mineral deposits on mud at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. In the world, China currently produces 97 percent dominated by the metal.

In a BBC report, July 4, 2011, analysts say, the discovery in the Pacific Ocean that can affect the dominance of China. British journal, Nature Geoscience, reported that a team of researchers led by Yasuhiro Kato (Professor of Earth fields guests at the University of Tokyo) discovered the mineral in 78 locations in the sea mud.

"The coating has a high content of rare minerals. Only one square kilometer layer that can meet one-fifth of annual world demand," said Kato. Rare minerals were found at a depth of 3500-6000 meters below sea level.

Kato explains, a third study site that contains a rare mineral and metal yttrium. Layer was in international waters in the east and west of Hawaii and east of Tahiti. United States Geological Survey estimates that global demand is only 110 million tons, mainly from China, Russia, former Soviet states, and the United States.