Why is it in News?
→ Japan announced test mining of rare-earth-rich mud.
→ Activity planned near Minamitori Island.
Important Points
- Also known as Marcus Island.
- Located in northwestern Pacific Ocean.
- Easternmost point of Japan.
- Lies about 1,950 km southeast of Tokyo.
- Part of Marcus-Necker Ridge.
- Situated on the Pacific Plate.
- Surrounded by rare-earth-rich mud deposits.
- Rare-earth mud contains neodymium and dysprosium.
- Used in high-performance magnets.
- Mud distributed as thin layer on ocean floor.