Manganese Nodules Offer Hope for Rare Metal Supply
manganese nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals. This discovery, announced by the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation, offers hope for bolstering Japan's domestic supply of these critical materials.
The nodules, concentrated on the seafloor near Minami-Torishima island, are estimated to contain a staggering 610,000 tons of cobalt, enough to meet Japan's needs for 75 years, and 740,000 tons of nickel, securing 11 years of domestic consumption. These metals are essential components in electric vehicles, smartphones, and other advanced technologies.
Currently, Japan relies heavily on imports for these resources, as they are primarily concentrated in regions like Africa and Australia. However, the discovery of these deep-sea nodules presents an opportunity to significantly increase domestic supply and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
With plans to begin trial collection as early as 2025, researchers aim to extract approximately 2,500 tons of manganese nodules daily, eventually reaching an annual target of 3 million tons. This ambitious project could revolutionize Japan's access to these vital resources, enhancing economic security and fostering technological advancements.
Professor Yasuhiro Kato of the University of Tokyo emphasizes the critical importance of nickel and cobalt, stating, "It is important to develop those resources while determining economic viability in response to fluctuations in mineral prices." The successful extraction and utilization of these deep-sea resources could pave the way for a more self-sufficient and technologically advanced future for Japan.