Japan has made a groundbreaking discovery of rare metals worth over $26 billion beneath the ocean near Minami-Tori-shima island. These metals, including cobalt and nickel, are critical for making batteries used in smartphones, electric vehicles and advanced electronics.
The find could significantly boost Japan’s economy and reduce its dependence on imported materials.
Discovery of rare and valuable metals
Researchers supported by the Nippon Foundation identified over 230 million tons of valuable resources after surveying more than 100 deep-sea locations, some as deep as 5,200 meters.
The area, covering 10,000 square kilometers, holds large deposits of manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Many of these materials are found in easily mined manganese nodules, making extraction cost-effective and efficient.
Cobalt and nickel are essential for lithium-ion batteries, which power many modern devices. Experts predict that global demand for such batteries could increase by 400–600% in the coming decades. With this new discovery, Japan could secure a steady supply of these critical materials for its industries.
The discovery positions Japan as a key player in the rare metal market, which is currently dominated by China. Today, China provides about 95% of the world’s rare-earth materials. By tapping into its new reserves, Japan could reduce reliance on imports and support its growing tech industries.
Economic and global impact
The reserves include 610,000 tons of cobalt, which could meet Japan’s needs for 75 years, and 740,000 tons of nickel, sufficient for 11 years. This supply could help Japan maintain a competitive edge in the global market while supporting its push for advanced technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy.
However, mining these materials comes with challenges, including deep-sea extraction risks and potential harm to marine ecosystems. To address this, Japan plans to limit annual mining to three million tons and adopt sustainable practices. These measures aim to balance economic benefits with environmental protection.
This discovery could shift global power dynamics in the rare-metal industry. By reducing dependence on Chinese exports, Japan has the opportunity to lead in producing critical components for the technologies of the future.
As the demand for battery-powered solutions continues to grow, Japan’s discovery positions the country as a key innovator and supplier, ensuring its influence in global markets and shaping the future of energy and technology.