Sediments containing rare earth elements were extracted from a depth of 6,000 meters during a marine exploration mission, according to Japan.

“The details will be analyzed, particularly the exact quantity of rare earth elements contained in the sample,” said Kei Sato, a government spokesperson. He described the finding as a “significant achievement,” both from the perspective of “economic security” and that of “marine development.”

The announcement comes as Tokyo seeks to reduce its dependence on China for these strategically important minerals.