Japan’s Surprising Discovery of Massive Mineral Deposits on Seabed Offers Hope for EV Battery Building
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed the presence of a whopping 230 million metric tons of minerals on the seabed off a remote island in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. According to Nikkei Asia, this treasure trove of minerals is equivalent to around 75 years of Japan’s cobalt consumption and approximately 11 years’ worth of nickel.
The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo collaborated on this remarkable find, uncovering manganese nodules around Minami-Titoshima, located 1900km southeast of Tokyo. These nodules, rich in iron and manganese oxides, contain about 20% manganese and 1% each of cobalt and nickel – essential elements for EV batteries.
The research team, optimistic about the potential of these findings, plans to commence extraction on a trial basis by 2025. Anticipating the commercialization of these resources by 2026, the Nippon Foundation aims to establish a private-sector consortium for this purpose.
While Japan has lagged behind in the EV industry, this discovery could potentially propel the country forward in the electric vehicle market. The newfound mineral deposits offer a promising solution to the global struggle for precious metals needed for sustainable battery production.
In a similar vein, researchers from the University of Queensland have devised a revolutionary method to convert mining waste, known as tailings, into healthy soil. With tailing storage facilities on the rise globally, this innovative approach could mitigate the environmental impact of mining activities and pave the way for a greener future.
