A recent announcement by the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation revealed the presence of manganese nodules densely packed with cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals on the sea floor near Minami-Torishima island in the Pacific Ocean. Extensive surveys conducted by a research team between April and June in an area spanning 10,000 square kilometers at depths ranging from 5,200 to 5,700 meters revealed an estimated 230 million tons of manganese nodules in the region.
The potential of these manganese nodules is significant, with projections suggesting that they could provide Japan with a substantial domestic supply of cobalt and nickel. The trial collection set to commence in 2025 aims to extract approximately 2,500 tons of manganese nodules daily, with an annual target of 3 million tons, which could help reduce Japan's reliance on imports for these essential rare metals. Yasuhiro Kato, a professor at the University of Tokyo, emphasized the economic importance of nickel and cobalt, noting the necessity of developing these resources to ensure long-term economic security and stability amid fluctuations in mineral prices.
The discovery of these manganese nodules near Minami-Torishima island presents a promising opportunity for Japan to diversify and strengthen its rare metal supply chain, especially for industries reliant on cobalt and nickel for technological products like electric vehicles and smartphones. The focus on commercializing the collection of these valuable resources underscores the potential for reducing Japan's dependence on imports from regions like Africa and Australia, where these rare metals are currently concentrated. With the aim of increasing domestic supply and securing a stable source of cobalt and nickel, researchers are hopeful that the undersea reserves off the coast of Minami-Torishima island will play a crucial role in meeting Japan's growing demand for these essential materials.