Japan Targets 200Mt of Battery Metals Through Deep-Sea Mining

Japanese researchers have located more than 200Mt of nodules containing battery metals in their exclusive economic zone. Experts suggest that extracting these resources will serve as a case study to assess the advantages and disadvantages of deep-sea mining.

These nodules are situated in a seabed region near Minamitorishima, a remote Tokyo Island, at depths of approximately 5,500m. Like those found in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, they hold reserves of cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese. According to the Japan Times, the deposit is estimated to contain 610,000t of cobalt, sufficient to meet Japan’s consumption needs for 75 years, and 740,000t of nickel, enough for 11 years.

The Nippon Foundation plans to initiate large-scale extraction operations in 2025 and intends to establish a joint venture with several Japanese companies in 2026 to utilize these minerals as domestically sourced materials.

Colin Hamilton, Analyst, BMO, emphasized that extracting these resources will be challenging and will serve as a crucial test case for evaluating the pros and cons of deep-sea mining. Hamilton also cautioned that while deep-sea mining offers numerous opportunities, major consumers of these metals have indicated they will not proceed until further environmental impact studies are conducted.

Deep-Sea Mining in the World

Currently, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has approved 31 contracts for deep-sea mining, 30 of which are active and each lasting 15 years. Among these contracts, several involve governmental entities such as the governments of India, Poland, and South Korea, as listed on the ISA website. 

ISA is currently drafting the world's first regulations for deepwater mining, with plans to finalize the code by 2025. Despite the lack of formal standards, there is a possibility that deep-sea mining could begin in July, coinciding with the next ISA meeting.