More than 200 million metric tons of rare-metal-rich manganese nodules have been found in Tokyo, exactly on a seabed near Minamitorishimade a remote island, the Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo reported Friday.
The nonprofit foundation and national university discovered a vast concentration of minerals on the seafloor containing rare metals such as cobalt and nickel, both of which are essential for lithium-ion batteries . This discovery was made in an area of about 5,000 meters deep within Japan’s exclusive economic zone off the Pacific island.
Huge deposit of rare metals in Tokyo
The research team, led by Professor Yasuhiro Kato of the University of Tokyo, estimates that there are 234 million metric tons of these nodules in a 100 km2 study area. The amount of nickel present in these nodules would be enough to satisfy Japan’s consumption for 75 years. Japan’s consumption for 75 years, while cobalt could supply demand for about 11 years. while cobalt could supply the demand for approximately 11 years.
In addition, the volumes found are considered viable for commercial use, including extraction and refining costs. The team plans to start a pilot project to extract 2,500 metric tons per day of this mineral resource by the end of March 2026.
Mining of the first manganese nodules on Minamitori Island. Source: Nippon Foundation
Formation and discovery of manganese nodules in Japan
On the other hand, spherical nodules, which can measure up to tens of centimeters in diameter, form when iron and manganese oxides dissolved in seawater precipitate around cores, such as rocks or shark teeth. In addition to cobalt and nickel, these nodules also contain copper.
Notably, the abundant amount of manganese nodules was initially discovered during a 2016 survey in the same area, conducted by a team that included members of the university and other agencies, including the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).
Between late April and early June of this year, a detailed sample survey was conducted to determine deposit estimates.
Finally, Yohei Sasakawa, president of the Nippon Foundation, declared that“the University of Tokyo has discovered a wonderful mineral vein in the EEZ of Japan, a country with few resources“. He stressed the urgency of extracting these resources for use in industry. For his part, Kato stressed the importance of creating a new ocean industry in the context of innovation creation.
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Source and photo: japantimes
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