Why in the News?
Japan has decided to conduct test mining of rare earth rich mud from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals.
About Minamitori Island
- Minamitori Island is also known as Marcus Island.
- It is an isolated Japanese coral atoll located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
- It marks the easternmost territorial point of Japan.
- It is the first location in Japan to witness sunrise due to its eastern position.
- The island is situated about 1,950 kilometres southeast of central Tokyo.
Geographical and Geological Features
- Minamitori Island represents the exposed summit of a massive underwater seamount.
- The seamount rises from the deep ocean floor along the Marcus Necker Ridge.
- It is the only landmass of Japan that lies entirely on the Pacific Plate.
- The island provides Japan with a large Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Ocean.
What is Rare Earth Mud
- Rare earth mud is a type of pelagic sediment formed from the accumulated remains of plankton.
- Over millions of years, these sediments become enriched with rare earth elements.
- The mud contains significant quantities of neodymium and dysprosium.
- These elements are essential for manufacturing high performance permanent magnets.
| Consider the following statements: (2021)
1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licenses for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
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