Japan’s recent deep-sea discovery, estimated to be worth $26 billion, has raised alarms over potential environmental damage. A collaborative survey conducted by The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo revealed an abundant field of manganese nodules near Minami-Tori-shima Island, rich in cobalt and nickel—key elements in electric vehicle batteries. The nodules are located 5,700 meters below sea level and contain an estimated 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel.
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While the financial rewards from the discovery are substantial, experts are concerned about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining. Research led by Travis Washburn of the Geological Survey of Japan has shown that such mining activities can cause severe harm to marine life. His study revealed a 43% decrease in fish and shrimp populations just one year after a small-scale mining test was conducted. The long-term effects of large-scale mining are yet to be fully understood.
Sophie Benbow, director of the marine programme at a conservation charity, warned that the destruction of deep-sea biodiversity could result in the loss of valuable medical and technological advancements that are yet to be discovered. With Japan moving forward with its mining project, the global debate between economic growth and environmental preservation intensifies.
The potential trade-off between the economic benefits of the $26 billion discovery and its ecological consequences has become a crucial issue. The future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain as Japan pushes ahead with its ambitious plans.
