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Research conducted by the University of Tokyo and The Nippon Foundation from April 24 to June 9 has discovered a large deposit of rare earth metals worth an estimated $26.3 billion near Minami-Torishima Island. Located 3.5 miles (5,700 meters) below sea level, the deposit contains about 230 million tons of manganese nodules rich in cobalt and nickel, key components of electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.
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Endless supply: Researchers noted when the discovery was announced in July that the deposits could supply Japan's cobalt needs for 75 years and nickel needs for 11 years, greatly reducing the nation's dependence on imports. The Nippon Foundation said it plans to begin testing in March 2026, with plans to harvest 3 million tons of the precious resource annually. The discovery comes on the heels of a 2018 study by Waseda University and the University of Tokyo that first identified the presence of “permanent” rare earth minerals.
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Risks and concerns: Scientists and environmental groups warn that harvesting manganese nodules could cause potential damage to the fragile deep-sea ecosystem, including habitat destruction, noise pollution and the release of sediment that could suffocate marine life. Last year's United Nations Climate Change Conference included discussions on mining deep-sea and marine protection as the demand for battery metals increases. The International Seabed Authority is also currently working to establish regulations for offshore mining.
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