Japan finds a ‘rare earth giant’ 6000 meters below the ocean that could power the world for almost 700 years
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Why in news
Japan successfully retrieved samples from a massive 'rare earth giant' deposit 6,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean to reduce reliance on land-based suppliers.
Background
The University of Tokyo used the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyuis to retrieve samples from a deposit containing over 16 million tons of specialized oxides. The deposit is located 6,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean and is rich in yttrium and dysprosium.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TChikyuis: Deep-sea drilling vessel used by the University of Tokyo for mineral extraction.
- FactThe 'rare earth giant' deposit contains over 16 million tons of specialized oxides.
- S&TYttrium and dysprosium: Rare earth elements essential for producing strong permanent magnets.
- PlaceThe deposit was located 6,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the strategic importance of deep-sea mining for securing critical minerals and its implications for global supply chain resilience.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Resource sovereignty: Reducing dependence on land-based monopolies for critical minerals in green energy and defense.
- Environmental trade-offs: Balancing the ecological risks of deep-sea mining against the demand for decarbonization materials.
Keywords: Critical minerals · Supply chain resilience · Deep-sea mining · Resource security · Green technology
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