Japan discovers record‑rich undersea gold deposit

Scientists studying the Higashi‑Aogashima caldera, a submarine volcanic crater about 350 km south of Tokyo in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, have measured the highest gold concentration ever recorded on the ocean floor. Analyses revealed both visible gold particles and “invisible gold” – nano‑scale gold embedded in pyrite – making the site the world’s richest known deep‑sea gold deposit.

The discovery has sparked debate over deep‑sea mining. Researchers note the area’s active hydrothermal vents support diverse marine life, and they warn that commercial extraction could damage this fragile ecosystem. Japan is evaluating the potential for a commercial undersea mine, while Papua New Guinea and several other Pacific nations have upheld a moratorium on similar projects through 2030 after a failed PNG mining attempt that cost about $85 million.

Despite the environmental concerns, Japan continues its exploration, positioning the find as a strategic resource opportunity amid growing global interest in seabed mining.