Japan’s Newfound Mineral Deposits to Boost Electric Vehicle Industry: A Look at the Discovery near Minami-Torishima Island

Japan recently made a significant mineral discovery near the island of Minami –Torishima, with deposits containing around 230 million tons of manganese, 610,000 tons of cobalt, and 740,000 tons of nickel. These mineral resources on the seabed near the island could meet Japan’s cobalt demand for 75 years and provide nickel for over a decade.

The discovery of approximately 230 million tons of manganese ore in fist-sized concretions is particularly noteworthy, as these concretions contain about 20% manganese and 1% cobalt and nickel. These minerals are crucial components in lithium-ion batteries and essential for the production of electric vehicles. The new mineral deposits found near Minami –Torishima Island are expected to boost Japan’s electric vehicle industry by reducing reliance on other countries and enabling the country to meet domestic demand for electric vehicle batteries.

A detailed survey of the area began in April last year and lasted until early June, revealing massive ore mines in the region. The research team used mining equipment and remote-controlled underwater vehicles to explore various points on the seabed at depths of 5,200 – 5,700 meters. The new mineral deposits found near Minami –Torishima Island are expected to provide high-quality material that can be used to develop environmentally friendly products and technologies.

Collaborations with other companies are planned to leverage these mineral deposits and enhance gaming hacks and cheats forums. The research team plans to begin mining 2,500 tons of minerals per day in a pilot project by the end of March 2026 and establish a joint venture to commercialize production by the same year.