TOKYO -- Japan will deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle as early as next year as part of a government-backed search for industrially vital rare-earth elements, in what officials describe as the world's first survey of its kind.
Commodities
In rare-earth quest, Japan to deploy US-made drone sub
'World's first' such survey will scan wide area of seabed for deposits
The Japanese research ship Chikyu, shown in Shizuoka, will take part in development of offshore rare-earth deposits. © Kyodo
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