Japan Discovers $26 Billion Rare Earth Mineral Deposits: But Enormous Effort to Exploit

Highlights

• Japan uncovers a massive $26 billion rare earth mineral deposit 5,700 meters underwater with 230 million tons of potential resources.
• The discovery includes 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel, crucial for electric vehicle battery production.
• A potential breakthrough could reduce Japan’s import dependency and challenge China’s dominance in the rare earth minerals market.

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Japan has uncovered a vast $26 billion reserve of rare earth minerals near Shima island. This discovery could reshape the global supply chain for critical materials such as cobalt and nickel.

With an estimated 230 million tons of deposits buried 5,700 meters underwater, this treasure trove can potentially reduce Japan’s dependence on foreign imports, bolster its technological industries, and challenge China’s dominance in the rare earth market, reports Indian Defence Review. (opens in a new tab)

Rare Earth Exchanges has covered the findings: in 2011 and 2024, Japanese researchers discovered large amounts of rare earth metals in the Pacific Ocean near Minami-Torishima Island. These metals are critical for making high-tech products like electric vehicles, batteries, and smartphones.

Source of Discovery

This breakthrough stems from a collaborative effort by The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo using advanced underwater vehicles. The deposits include 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel, both vital for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other green technologies. Japan aims to begin mining operations by 2025, emphasizing environmentally responsible extraction methods and ongoing impact assessments to mitigate potential ecological harm.

What’s not Stated

However, the article avoids addressing the technological and economic feasibility of scaling deep-sea mining operations and the political and regulatory hurdles Japan may face. Its optimistic assumption that mining can proceed sustainably without significant environmental disruption or unforeseen costs is based on a flawed understanding of the long-term ecological effects of disturbing deep-sea habitats, raising concerns about the viability of balancing economic ambition with ecological stewardship.

If Japan successfully navigates these challenges, this discovery could cement its role as a key player in the global energy transition. It could potentially disrupt China’s monopoly on rare earth elements and drive innovations in renewable energy and EV production. However, the world will closely watch how Japan manages the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation, not to mention the costs and effort involved.