Japan is set to begin extracting rare metals from the seabed in January 2026. The project aims to mine cobalt and nickel-rich manganese nodules near Minami-Torishima Island, approximately 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.
A discovery in June 2024 by researchers from the University of Tokyo and the Nippon Foundation revealed an estimated 230 million tons of manganese nodules in the exclusive economic zone. These nodules contain about 610,000 tons of cobalt and 740,000 tons of nickel, potentially covering 75 years of domestic cobalt consumption and 11 years of nickel consumption.
The extraction of these resources is crucial for modern technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Japan seeks to reduce its reliance on imports of these critical minerals, currently sourced mainly from countries like Africa and Australia. The project aims to mine approximately 2,500 tons of nodules daily, with an annual target of 3 million tons. However, environmental concerns exist regarding potential damage to marine ecosystems.