A groundbreaking discovery of more than 200 million metric tons of rocks rich in manganese, cobalt, and nickel has been found on the seabed off a remote Japanese island. The Nippon Foundation and academics from the University of Tokyo made the revelation after surveying an area near Minamitori Island in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Lead researcher Yasuhiro Kato estimates that there are 234 million metric tons of manganese nodules in the 10,000-square-kilometre survey area. These nodules contain valuable metals like cobalt and nickel that are essential for lithium-ion batteries, with enough cobalt alone to support Japan’s consumption for 75 years.
The discovery is seen as a significant economic opportunity for Japan, as the resources are crucial for economic security. Plans are already underway to begin extracting the minerals next year, with special excavation equipment designed for the task.
Japan’s interest in finding new sources of rare earths and key minerals like these comes as China has long dominated the sector. The country and its allies in the Quad group are eager to reduce dependence on China for these critical resources.
The rare metals found on the seabed near Minamitori Island offer a promising opportunity for Japan to secure a stable supply of these essential materials. With plans for commercial extraction already in motion, this discovery could have far-reaching implications for Japan’s economy and its strategic position in the global market.
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