A team of researchers, including the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation, recently revealed the presence of manganese nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals in the Pacific Ocean near Minami-Torishima island. The survey conducted between April and June covered an area of 10,000 square kilometers at depths ranging from 5,200 to 5,700 meters off the island, part of the Ogasawara island chain. The estimated 230 million tons of manganese nodules found in this area are believed to hold approximately 610,000 tons of cobalt and 740,000 tons of nickel, critical elements for various high-tech products like electric vehicles and smartphones.
The experimental operation set to kick off in 2025 aims to collect around 2,500 tons of manganese nodules daily, with a yearly target of 3 million tons. The significance of these rare metals lies in their usage for sophisticated electronics, though Japan currently heavily relies on imports due to their concentrated availability in regions like Africa and Australia. Professor Yasuhiro Kato of the University of Tokyo emphasized the economic importance of nickel and cobalt, highlighting the need to develop these undersea resources to enhance Japan's economic security and reduce dependency on external sources. Researchers are optimistic that the high concentrations of manganese nodules off Minami-Torishima island will serve as a substantial boost to the country's domestic supply of these crucial minerals.