Japanese researchers have discovered a significant trove of valuable minerals that could have a major impact on the electric vehicle (EV) industry. A recent survey conducted by The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo has found vast deposits of cobalt and nickel on the seabed around Minami-Tori-shima island. These minerals are essential components for EV batteries. The survey, carried out between April and June, involved remotely operated underwater vehicles that explored depths of 5,200 to 5,700 meters, uncovering approximately 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel.

These deposits are estimated to supply Japan’s domestic consumption of these critical minerals for 11 years, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imports. The cobalt and nickel, found in manganese nodules that formed over millions of years, were initially discovered in a 2016 survey. The nodules also contain other valuable elements like copper. Plans are now underway to commence the commercialization of these resources by 2025, with the aim of extracting three million tons annually while minimizing environmental impact.

The Nippon Foundation

Professor Yasuhiro Kato of the University of Tokyo emphasized the importance of this discovery for Japan’s economic security and technological advancement. The team plans to use overseas mining vessels to lift several thousand tons of nodules daily, establishing a framework for commercialization in collaboration with the private sector. This effort is expected to bolster Japan’s growth by creating a domestic supply chain for resource mining and manufacturing, making the country more self-reliant and less dependent on foreign sources.

This discovery is seen as a significant “jackpot” for Japan, with the potential to revolutionize the nation’s EV industry. By utilizing these newly found resources, Japan aims to enhance its science, technology, and ocean-oriented capabilities, ultimately boosting its economic and technological growth. The University of Tokyo has expressed its commitment to further research and development of environmentally friendly technologies and high-performance materials using these critical metals.