东京大学教授加藤泰浩和日本海洋研究开发机构等发现,在小笠原诸岛南鸟岛海域,包含高浓度稀土的泥广泛分布于海底2~4 m处。此前日本方面认为如果稀土泥之上沉积的堆积物很厚,将对开采构成障碍。稀土里含有用于混合动力车马达强力磁铁的镝以及用于激光器的钇等元素。加藤教授2012年发现,在通过国际调查获得的南鸟岛海域海底泥中,含有高浓度稀土。东京大学和海洋机构通过调查发现,其浓度超 University of Tokyo professor Kato Taito and Japan’s Marine Research and Development Institute found that muds containing high concentrations of rare earths are widely distributed 2 to 4 m above the ocean floor in the southern bird island of Ogasawara Islands. Previously, Japan believed that if the sediment deposited on the rare earth mud is very thick, it will impede the mining. The rare earth contains dysprosium, a powerful magnet for hybrid motor motors, and yttrium and other elements used in lasers. Professor Kato discovered in 2012 that high concentrations of rare earths were found in the seabed muds of the South Bird Island area obtained through international investigations. University of Tokyo and marine agencies found that the concentration exceeded