Researchers in Japan have located vast undersea deposits of rare materials, including cobalt and nickel, near Minami-Tori-shima Island. These resources, valued at over $26 billion, could boost Japan’s economy and position it as a major player in the global market for critical metals.
The deposits, spanning an area of 10,000 square kilometers, include key elements like manganese, cobalt, and nickel, essential for manufacturing batteries used in smartphones, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies.
Funded by the Nippon Foundation, the study explored more than 100 underwater sites, some at depths of 5,200 meters, uncovering over 230 million tons of mineable materials.
The abundance of manganese nodules in the region further highlights the potential for efficient and cost-effective extraction
Deposits could boost Japan’s economy
Rare materials like cobalt and nickel are essential for making lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power everyday items like smartphones and electric vehicles. Experts say demand for such technologies could grow by 400–600% in the coming decades.
Japan’s new reserves might offer a steady supply for industries that depend on these materials. Yasuhiro Kato, a geology professor at the University of Tokyo, believes the discovery will boost Japan’s ability to produce advanced technologies.
Today, China supplies about 95% of the world’s rare-earth materials. This makes Japan’s discovery a significant development. Selling the entire reserve could bring Japan over $26 billion. However, experts think the country will likely use these resources at home. This would reduce its reliance on imports and support its expanding industries.
Environmental challenges vs power in global market
Japan’s reserves include 610,000 tons of cobalt and 740,000 tons of nickel. This supply could meet the country’s cobalt needs for 75 years and its nickel needs for 11 years. With these resources, Japan can support its technology and manufacturing industries without relying on imports.
Mining these materials from deep waters presents environmental challenges. To protect marine ecosystems, Japan plans to limit extraction to three million tons annually.
This cautious strategy reflects lessons learned from past deep-sea mining projects, which caused significant harm to the environment. Sustainable practices will likely play a key role in Japan’s approach.
Moreover, this discovery could shift the balance of power in the global rare-earth market. Currently, China dominates the supply of these materials.
Japan’s new reserves could reduce that dependence and boost its role in industries like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced electronics. This could increase Japan’s influence in the global tech industry while fostering innovation.
With battery-powered technologies shaping the future of energy, this discovery positions Japan to stay at the forefront of innovation and progress.