Japanese researchers hit the jackpot after discovering 230,000,000 tons of rare mineral that could make them billions

This could be a game changer.

A groundbreaking discovery by a Japanese research team could revolutionize global economic security.

The researchers, from The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo, unearthed a treasure trove of rare minerals beneath the seabed surrounding Minami-Tori-shima Island.

Their survey revealed staggering amounts of valuable resources, including an astonishing 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel—minerals that could have a profound impact on future industries.

This discovery could be a game changer for the manufacturing industry, especially as these rare minerals are essential for the production of electric car batteries.

Between April and June this year, researchers conducted an extensive survey, probing 100 seabed sites at depths ranging from 17,000 to 18,700 feet. During their investigation, they uncovered magnesium nodules rich in valuable minerals. These nodules, believed to have formed over millions of years, are thought to have developed around the teeth of the prehistoric Megalodon shark, which roamed the oceans between 23 million and 3.6 million years ago.

Yasuhiro Kato, a professor specializing in resource geology at the University of Tokyo, revealed that excavators plan to extract a staggering three million tons of these valuable deposits annually. He emphasized that this extraction method would help support continued development while minimizing the environmental impact on the marine ecosystem.

Starting in 2025, the team will utilize overseas mining vessels to extract several thousand tons of nodules daily, marking the beginning of an ambitious plan to tap into this vast mineral treasure.

This discovery is being hailed as a “jackpot” for Japan’s electric vehicle industry, as it provides a wealth of minerals crucial for the production of electric car batteries. According to the University of Tokyo, the research aims to fuel Japan’s growth by creating a domestic supply chain that spans from “resource-mining” to “manufacturing.” Their goal is to establish Japan as a leader in science, technology, and ocean exploration.

In their press release, the University of Tokyo emphasized their vision for future collaboration across various research disciplines. They aim to develop environmentally friendly technologies and innovative high-performance materials using the critical metals derived from these newly discovered resources.

Recently, the U.S. experienced its own modern-day gold rush in Wyoming, where a variety of valuable minerals were uncovered, including oxides of neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and terbium.

These rare earth minerals are essential components in cutting-edge technology such as smartphones, hybrid cars, aircraft, and even everyday products like light bulbs and lamps. The mining company behind the discovery, American Rare Earths, expressed excitement, stating the finds “exceeded their wildest dreams.”

Currently, China dominates the global manufacturing market, controlling 31% of the industry. However, with these new discoveries, the balance of power in the rare earths sector could soon shift, opening up new opportunities for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains.