Japan has discovered 230 million tonnes of rare materials that could help boost the nation’s economy for over a decade.
In a groundbreaking discovery that sounds like it’s straight out of a Jules Verne novel, researchers have uncovered a massive deposit of precious minerals lying dormant on the ocean floor, over 1,200 miles away from Tokyo.
This find isn’t just another drop in the ocean; it’s a monumental cache that could redefine Japan’s position in the global electric vehicle (EV) race.
A whopping 230 million metric tons of minerals critical for manufacturing EV batteries, nestled deep beneath the waves around the remote Minami-Torishima Island.
Discovered some 5,000 meters below the surface, is teeming with manganese nodules rich in cobalt and nickel—key ingredients in today’s battery technology.
The incredible find comes as the world shifts gears towards more sustainable modes of transportation. Cobalt and nickel are the linchpins in this transformative era, and Japan might just have secured its supply for the foreseeable future.
Per Business Insider, The Nippon Foundation and researchers from the University of Tokyo believe this newly found deposit could single-handedly supply Japan with cobalt for an astonishing 75 years and nickel for over a decade of production, according to the Japan Times.
The discovery was first reported by Nikkei after researchers – employing sophisticated mining equipment and remote-controlled submarines – explored the seabed.
And the overall numbers are staggering: the site boasts approximately 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel.
Now, let’s crunch the numbers…
As of this writing, cobalt is worth $24,080.36 USD per metric ton, putting this find at $14,689,019,600.
Nickel is worth $16,167.68 USD per metric ton, adding a further $11,964,083,200. (Spot prices found using YCharts, of course, these numbers can fluctuate over time.)
Combined that is a total of $26,653,102,800 worth of material found.
As Japan – a titan in the automotive industry – lags slightly in the electric vehicle market behind giants like BYD and Tesla, this discovery could be the boost it needs.
In 2023, electric cars made up only 2.2% of new passenger car sales in Japan, a stark contrast to China’s 25%, BI reports. But with these newfound reserves, the Japan might soon be racing ahead.
However, the road to recovering these underwater riches will not be without its challenges.
Set to commence in 2025, deep-sea mining is an expensive, technically demanding, and controversial endeavor. Similar initiatives, like those proposed by Norway, have sparked significant environmental concerns.
The World Resources Institute has voiced concerns about the potential damage to local sea life, knock-on effects to fish stocks, and possible climate impacts as a result of the practice.
Yet, some may say that the reward outweighs the risk, as global demand for nickel and cobalt is projected to soar by 400 to 600% in the coming decades, according to a White House report.
Moreover, the ethical implications of sourcing these metals are profound. Much of the world’s supply of such minerals currently comes from countries like Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mining operations have been marred by reports of worker abuse and severe safety risks. Japan’s venture into its own territorial waters could set a new standard for responsible sourcing in the battery materials market.
As the global community watches on, Japan’s deep-sea venture might not just be a leap towards energy independence but a giant dive towards a more sustainable and ethical future in technology and transportation.
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Man whose TV host wife Erin Plummer died by suicide is found dead at foot of cliff
By Asiya Ali
Warning: This article may contain some distressing information.Late TV host Erin Jayne Plummer’s husband’s cause of death has been disclosed.
Tragedy struck late weekend as police in Australia confirmed that Alan Plummer was found deceased in Freshwater, northern Sydney, on Sunday (November 10).
According to the Daily Mail, the 49-year-old was planning to go for a morning swim with a friend at 6.30AM on Sydney’s northern beaches, but he failed to show up.
The father-of-three’s concerned friend contacted the police and requested a welfare check.
They arrived at Alan’s residence in Freshwater to inform his 18-year-old daughter – who had been out on Saturday evening – that her dad was missing.
Tragically, his body was located an hour later by a lifeguard at the foot of a cliff at Freshwater Beach. It is suspected that he took his own life, per Daily Mail.
“Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner regarding the death of a 49-year-old man at Freshwater on Sunday,” a NSW Police spokesperson told the publication.
The heartwrenching incident took place two years after the passing of his wife, who also died by suicide. The couple have left behind three daughters – aged 18, 15, and 11.
Earning the nickname “The Danoz Girl,” Erin was a fixture in Australian homes, cheerfully presenting on shows like Studio 10 and Mornings with Kerri-Anne.
Her career also spanned to fitness, where she led viewers through routines on Aerobics Oz Style, a globally broadcast show that reached 40 million people. In addition to this, the 42-year-old was a decorated synchronized swimmer, boasting 11 national titles and representing Australia in three world championships.
It was live on air that presenters Sarah Harris and Angela Bishop revealed the late mom’s death on Studio 10.
“We’ve got some really sad news to share this morning,” Harris told viewers. “Over the weekend, Studio 10 lost a bit of its sparkle with our friend and advertorial host Erin Jayne passing away suddenly.”
“For two decades, Erin Jayne’s been a friendly and familiar face on Australian telly and for a lot of that, she’s been brightening up our mornings with her bubbly personality and mega-watt smile,” they said, calling her a “gorgeous human inside and out” who was a “high achiever” and “certainly a gold-medal mom to her three young girls”.
The loss of both parents has left the community in mourning, with many locals heartbroken for the three young girls. “They are good kids,” one person said. “Their parents have dozens of friends and the community will come together for them.”
The family had deep roots in the Freshwater, having owned their four-bedroom home there for over two decades.
Before his tragic death, Alan sold the home in a private settlement pre-auction. The couple paid $675,000 for the residence in 2002, and it was first put up for sale in March of this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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Husband of TV host Erin Jayne Plummer dies suddenly, two years after his wife’s suicide
By Asiya Ali
Warning: This article may contain some distressing information.The husband of TV host Erin Jayne Plummer has also died, just two years after her tragic passing.
Alan Plummer, 49, was found dead in Freshwater, northern Sydney, Daily Mail reported, with his death suspected to be due to a self-harm incident.
This tragedy comes barely two years after the passing of his wife, Erin Jayne Plummer, who died by suicide, leaving their three daughters orphaned.
The 49-year-old was the former director of a now-defunct company called Shine VIP Tours Australia PTY LTD.
His death was confirmed by the NSW Police Force, who issued a statement to the outlet, which read: “Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner regarding the death of a 49-year-old man at Freshwater on Sunday.” No further details were available.
The heartbreaking news comes after the father-of-three recently sold the family’s longtime Freshwater home, which they had owned for more than two decades, in a private settlement pre-auction.
The Plummers paid $675,000 for the residence in 2002, and it was first put up for sale in March of this year.
Alan’s wife, Erin, was just 42 when she sadly passed away.
She was a fixture in Australian homes, cheerfully presenting on shows like Studio 10 and Mornings with Kerri-Anne. Her career also spanned to fitness, where she led viewers through routines on Aerobics Oz Style, a globally broadcast show that reached 40 million people.
In addition to this, the late mom was a decorated synchronized swimmer, boasting 11 national titles and representing Australia in three world championships.
In the wake of her death in May 2022, the local community rallied to support the Plummers, raising almost $28,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
Erin’s friend Sarah shared a tribute statement at the time, writing: “She represented Australia in synchronized swimming and even surf life-saving. There is no question Erin Jayne was a high achiever and certainly a gold medal mum to her three young girls,” cited by The Mirror.
“We’ll miss your sunshine around the studio Erin Jayne, and all of us here are sending lots of love and strength to her family,” she added.
Our thoughts are with the Plummers’ daughters who now face a future without their parents, and anyone else affected by this tragedy.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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Fitness influencer who died suddenly shared heartbreaking post about dying young just days before his passing
By stefan armitage
Jaxon Tippet has tragically passed away suddenly at the age of 30.
The celebrated fitness coach and influencer from Queensland reportedly died suddenly while vacationing in Turkey, as reported by News.com.au.
His family confirmed that Tippet – who had just celebrated his 30th birthday and was a devoted single father – passed away on November 10, believed to have suffered a heart attack.
However, as of this writing, it appears that no official cause of death has been confirmed.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to manage the somber task of bringing his body back home.
The page description highlights the family’s grief, stating: “It comes with such heartbreak and heavy hearts that our beloved Jaxon has tragically passed away while on a holiday to Turkey.
“There really are no words to describe this sort of pain, and we know a lot of people will be feeling this heartbreak with us as he was loved by so many.”
As of this writing, more than $29,600 AUD has been raised to help support Tippet’s family.
Tippet was a powerhouse of motivation on social media, where his over 200,000 followers on Instagram were regularly treated to his life-enhancing advice and personal anecdotes of overcoming struggles.
In a haunting reflection on his own life, Tippet poignantly noted in his last birthday post: “Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.”
“All that truly matters in the end is that you loved,” he added in his list of life lessons, before concluding his post: “Everything happens for a reason trust in god.”
His last message to his followers was a compelling testament to his philosophy – urging his fans to take action in order to improve their lives. “Outwork your self-doubt,” he wrote. “Concrete your self-identity through perpetual action geared toward self-development.”
“Your opinion of you far outweighs others’ opinion of you,” he continued. Respect starts with how you view yourself. Do it for you.”
Tippet’s influence extended beyond fitness; he was candid about his turbulent past, including battles with steroid addiction and legal troubles that culminated in a transformative reckoning with his lifestyle.
In 2017, Tippet faced a critical moment when arrested with a significant amount of steroids. The health scares and legal issues that followed fueled his decision to make a drastic change.
“I was very tired. I was yellow in the face. My urine was very dark, it was almost orange,” he once described on the Good Humans Podcast, highlighting the physical toll his lifestyle had taken.
He credited a spiritual awakening with turning his life around. “What saved me (was) Jesus (and) I prayed with my family on the exact day I walked into my last court case and walked out a free man,” he shared in a reflective Instagram post in December 2023.
The news of his sudden death has stunned his community.
In a post announcing the tragic news of his passing, one person commented: “This can’t be real. I literally spoke a few days ago excited to catch up when he’s back. I don’t believe this, I’m devastated.”
A second added: “Jaxon you were one of the kindest people I’ve met. My heart goes out to your family and friends.”
“Rest in peace,” another added. “Thank you for sharing so much positivity and kindness with the world. Heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.”
Our thoughts go out to Tippet’s family, friends, and followers at this time.
Featured image credit: GoFundMe
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Reason why women are banned on infamous waterslide as female diver goes down anyway
By Nasima Khatun
The reason why women are banned on a waterslide has been revealed amid reports that a female diver went down it anyway.
Now, it may seem a little strange that in this day and age we still have gendered activities, but before you jump to conclusions, there might actually be a good reason behind this one.
Located in Austria’s Area 47 water park is a near-vertical slide that can reach speeds up to 80 km/h. The drop has been dubbed as ‘Europe’s fastest water slide’, and only certain riders can use it due to the harmful health effects that tend to affect women more than men.
But one woman did not seem to heed the warning as she decided to give the attraction a go.
Australian diving champion Rhiannan Iffland decided that she would check it out, posting a video of her ride on Instagram.
The video shows the seven-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion gripping the slide’s overhead bar and preparing herself by tightly crossing her legs before launching down the chute.
“Here for a good time not a long time! Another YOLO moment,” she captioned the now-viral video.
However, her followers were quick to warn her about the risks of women going down the slide with many of them telling the star about “water slide enema.”
Now, for those of you who might not be aware, many waterparks – including this one – warn female riders against using certain rides because they can lead to severe injuries and infections in women due to what’s colloquially referred to as a “waterslide enema,” which occurs when forceful water pressure enters the body during high-speed slides.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine explains that “water under high pressure can produce vaginal injury,” likely the basis of the sign’s restriction.
And some women recalled their own experiences in the comments.
“Unfortunately I got a water slide enema,” wrote one user. “Peed out half the swimming pool in the toilet from my butt. I literally couldn’t stand upright after it happened. Weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
“I got the worst enema on that slide bahaha you are brave girl,” another added.
A third also commented: “The amount of people that don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is scary!”
And this person said: “OMG I had no idea it had a name. Water slide enema, this perfectly describes what happened to me.”
Speaking to News.au.com, Iffland said: “It was never my intent to mock the safety regulations of this water slide.
“A person’s safety is paramount and I am constantly weighing up any danger with my job. To suggest otherwise, is wrong,” she added.
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Disney cruise ship rescues four people from sinking catamaran in Bermuda Triangle
By Nasima Khatun
A Disney cruise ship has rescued four people from a sinking catamaran in the Bermuda Triangle.
On Sunday morning, a 50-foot catamaran named Serenity started to fill with water approximately 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda after it experienced a gasket failure in the escape hatch according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.
The passengers aboard Serenity called for help as the boat started taking in more and more water.
The Coast Guard issued a broadcast which was picked up by Disney Treasure, a new cruise ship with a base in Port Canaveral, Florida, that was approximately 80 miles away from the sinking ship.
According to a spokesperson for the cruise line, the Disney Treasure had been on its way from Eemshaven, Netherlands to Port Canaveral, Florida when it received the message.
They launched one of their small boats and managed to rescue all four passengers aboard the vessel.
A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City in North Carolina launched an HC-130 to fly over the scene until the rescue was complete.
Footage from the rescue, which was posted by ABC7, shows a yellow lifeboat heading towards the craft, using rope as well as other tools to pull everyone from the boat.
In a statement, the captain from the Disney treasure spoke of the mission.
“We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril. Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety,” Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said in a statement to the outlet.
Thankfully none of the four rescued passengers had any medical issues to report.
As previously mentioned, the incident occurred in an area known as the Bermuda Triangle – an area of the North Atlantic Ocean where ships and planes are said to have mysteriously disappeared.
The Bermuda Triangle – a roughly triangular area – is generally considered to be located between Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the coast of Florida.
Although the exact boundaries are not universally agreed upon, but the total area is estimated to be between 500,000 and 1,510,000 square miles, per Britannica. It has been the subject of documentaries and intrigue for decades, with reports of unexplained occurrences in the region dating back to the mid-19th century.
The Disney Treasure is set to sail on its maiden voyage on 21 December this year, with approximately 2,500 passengers on board.
The cruise ship will be the sixth ship in Disney’s fleet and will be the sister vessel of the Disney Wish, which was launched back in 2022.
