# U.S.-Japan Advances Seabed Mineral Cooperation

In November 2026, the United States and Japan issued a joint statement setting priorities for cooperation on seabed mineral exploration, processing, technology protection, environmental monitoring, and regulatory coordination. The statement does not provide appropriations, award contracts, or establish procurement mandates, but it identifies areas where commercial capabilities may be relevant to future initiatives, including seabed mapping, autonomous systems, environmental assessment, mineral processing, and secure supply chains.

- Companies supporting seabed exploration, mapping, autonomous systems, environmental assessment, or mineral processing can use the stated cooperation priorities to identify relevant capabilities for potential follow-on initiatives.
- The statement signals continued U.S.-Japan coordination on critical-mineral supply chains; organizations considering work in this area should assess applicable national regulatory requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Environment
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of State (DOS)
- U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI)
- U.S.-Japan Working Group on seabed minerals

### Sources
- [Joint Statement on U.S.-Japan Seabed Mineral Resource Development - United States Department of State](https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/11/joint-statement-on-u-s-japan-seabed-mineral-resource-development/) - DEPT