Manganese Nodules Rich in Rare Metals Found in Pacific Ocean Off Minami-Torishima Island

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Manganese Nodules Rich in Rare Metals Found in Pacific Ocean Off Minami-Torishima Island

A recent announcement by the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation revealed the presence of manganese nodules boasting high concentrations of cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals near Minami-Torishima island, the easternmost point of Japan. A thorough survey conducted by a research team between April and June unveiled the sizable deposits of manganese nodules on the sea floor, ranging in depths from 5,200 to 5,700 meters off the island, which is part of the Ogasawara island chain.

From the survey results, researchers have estimated that there are approximately 230 million tons of manganese nodules in the area, which are believed to hold about 610,000 tons of cobalt and 740,000 tons of nickel. These quantities are significant as they could potentially supply Japan with domestic resources for a considerable number of years, reducing the need for imports from regions like Africa and Australia where these metals are typically concentrated. With the experimental operation set to commence in 2025, the goal is to collect around 2,500 tons of manganese nodules daily to secure an annual supply of 3 million tons.

The importance of cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals is underscored by their widespread applications in products like electric vehicles, smartphones, and advanced electronics. Yasuhiro Kato, a professor at the University of Tokyo specializing in earth resource science, emphasized the economic security that comes with developing these resources locally. The hope is that exploiting the undersea manganese nodules near Minami-Torishima island will not only bolster Japan's resource independence but also help stabilize its supply chain in the face of fluctuating mineral prices.