Japan discovered a giant metal mine under the sea

According to researchers, the mineral resources located on the seabed near Minami – Torishima island are enough to meet Japan’s cobalt demand for 75 years and provide nickel for more than a decade. Interesting Engineering reported on June 26. Approximately 230 million tons of manganese ore was discovered in the form of fist-sized concretions. The concretions contain about 20% manganese and 1% cobalt and nickel. Manganese, cobalt, and nickel are important components in lithium-ion batteries, and are therefore essential to promoting electric vehicle production.

Researchers estimate that the metal mine on an area of ​​about 10,000 m2 contains about 610,000 tons of cobalt and 740,000 tons of nickel. The mineral discovery area around Minami – Torishima Island in Japan has been observed since 2016. However, a recent detailed survey of the area began in April last year and lasted until early June /2024. Survey results revealed huge ore mines in the area.

The research team used mining equipment and remote-controlled underwater vehicles to conduct exploration at many points on the seabed at a depth of 5,200 – 5,700 m. According to them, this type of nodule forms when iron and manganese oxides dissolved in seawater precipitate around the nucleus. The mine also contains copper, another valuable element.

Discovery of new mineral resources will help boost Japan’s electric vehicle industry by reducing dependence on other countries, allowing it to meet domestic electric vehicle battery demand and compete with China in the international market .

The research team, which includes the nonprofit Nippon Association and the University of Tokyo, plans to start mining 2,500 tons of minerals per day in the pilot project by the end of March 2026. In addition, the Nippon Association also aims to establish a joint venture to commercialize production by 2026 in Japan.

According to the research team, the above mineral deposit is sufficient for commercial use, including mining and refining costs. Concretions have a high metal content and provide good material, according to Yasuhiro Kato, a professor at the University of Tokyo. The researchers plan to cooperate with many other companies to develop environmentally friendly products and technologies by taking advantage of mineral deposits around the island about 1,900 km from Tokyo.