AI Overview
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Japanese researchers have discovered a massive,"semi-infinite" deposit of rare earth elementsin deep-sea mud near
Minamitorishima Island. While the find, estimated to contain over 16 million tons of rare earth oxides, has been known since at least 2018, challenges remain in extracting the minerals cost-effectively and technically. The deposit could supply the world with yttrium, europium, terbium, and dysprosium for hundreds of years and potentially challenge China's dominance in the rare earth market.
Discovery details
Location: Deep-sea mud on the ocean floor around Minamitorishima Island, about 1,850 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.
Estimated amount: Over 16 million tons of rare earth oxides.
Potential supply: The deposit contains enough yttrium, europium, terbium, and dysprosium to supply the global market for hundreds of years.
Significance: The discovery is important for Japan, which is a major electronics manufacturer that has been heavily reliant on China for rare earth minerals.
Challenges and future outlook
Extraction difficulties: Extracting the rare earth minerals from the deep-sea sludge is currently an expensive and difficult process.
Technological hurdles: It will likely take time and significant research to develop the best method for extracting the minerals.
Economic viability: While the potential is huge, the economic viability of extraction is not yet proven.