A research team composed of the Japan Ocean Research and Development Agency, Ibaraki University, Kochi University and other universities announced on June 5 that about 350 km east of the capital of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, found a large metal-containing rock "cobalt-rich shell". It is estimated that the area is about 950 square kilometers, is half of Tokyo.
According to the Japanese media reported on June 6, the research team in April with no detectors "trench" on the depth of about 1500 meters to 5500 meters of the seabed ridge were investigated. Due to cobalt-rich crust into a piece, the entire submarine mountain is estimated to be almost covered by its. The researchers also collected rocks of 13 cm in thickness.
The team also discovered the same rock distribution in the southern bird island of Nanan Island, about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Honshu Island in 2016. "The findings have made it possible for us to study its causes and distribution predictions in more recent waters," said Suzuki Yoshihiko, a senior researcher at Oceania. "Researchers will also discuss the acquisition methodology for future ready.
Cobalt-rich crusts are rich in cobalt, nickel, platinum and other metal elements.