A groundbreaking discovery of over 200 million tons of manganese nodules densely packed in the deep sea off the coast of Japan’s easternmost island has sparked excitement and speculation about the potential economic benefits. The Japanese survey team, which includes the Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo, made the significant find within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The nodules, rich in rare metals such as cobalt and nickel, have been confirmed to be located off Minamitori Island. The team plans to commence trial mining from 2025 with the goal of commercializing the operation. Professor Yasuhiro Kato, an expert in resource geology, emphasized the importance of these resources for economic security and outlined plans to extract 3 million tons annually while minimizing environmental impact.
During a survey conducted earlier this year using a remotely operated vehicle, the team discovered a highly dense field of manganese nodules spanning approximately 10,000 square kilometers at depths of 5,200 to 5,700 meters. Analysis of samples collected suggests the deposit contains substantial quantities of cobalt and nickel, with enough to support Japan’s consumption for many years.
The potential commercialization of these valuable resources is seen as a significant development for Japan. Plans to partner with the private sector and utilize overseas mining vessels to extract the nodules indicate a strategic approach to maximizing the economic benefits of this discovery.
The discovery of manganese nodules formed around teeth belonging to the megalodon, an ancient shark, adds a fascinating element to this story. With hopes of finding even more rare earth minerals essential for high-tech products within the exclusive economic zone, the future looks promising for Japan’s deep-sea mining industry.
