Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- abundant / əˈbʌn dənt / (adj) – having large amounts, more than enough
Example:Our country has an abundant supply of natural resources.
- infinite / ˈɪn fə nɪt / (adj) – unlimited or immeasurable
Example:Many people think that the world’s resources are infinite.
- hurdle / ˈhɜr dl / (n) – anything that makes something difficult
Example:Many scientists face several hurdles like lack of funds and technology when exploring the ocean.
- seafloor / ˈsiˌflɔr, -ˌfloʊr / (n) – the ground at the bottom of the sea
Example:Researchers find it difficult to explore the seafloor because it is too deep.
- devastate / ˈdɛv əˌsteɪt / (v) – to destroy
Example:In the past, many forests were devastated due to illegal logging.
Article
Read the text below.
Researchers have discovered an abundant supply of rare-earth metals in the deep-sea mud near an island in Japan.
The research, which was published in the journal Scientific Reports, revealed that rare-earth metals were found near Japan’s Minami-Torishima Island—a territory located around 1,800 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. These metals are used to create products like smartphones, detection devices, and electric vehicles.
Among the rare-earth metals found are dysprosium /dɪsˈproʊ si əm/, europium /yʊˈroʊ pi əm/ , yttrium /ˈɪ tri əm/ , and terbium /ˈtɜr bi əm /. Dysprosium is utilized to produce magnets for electric vehicles and generators. On the other hand, europium is used in creating information-storing memory chips and in the production of the red color in television screens. Camera lenses make use of yttrium, while lasers use terbium.
Based on the research findings, the amount of these metals is equivalent to 16 million tons. This suggests that they have an almost infinite supply.
Despite the metals’ abundance, mining them has a number of hurdles. At the moment, there is no available technology for deep-sea mining and it might take decades for such technology to be developed. Geologist John Wiltshire also pointed out that the development of technology needed for processes like scraping and cutting the seafloor might amount to billions.
In addition, several environmental groups strongly oppose deep-sea mining as it can devastate marine ecosystems. In fact, the International Seabed Authority is now developing rules and regulations against deep-sea mining.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Would you support the mining of rare-earth metals despite its potential harm to the environment? Why or why not?
• Do you think the Minami-Torishima Island should be further explored? Explain.
Discussion B
• In your opinion, should experts put more effort into studying bodies of water? Why or why not?
• Would you be interested to participate in ocean explorations? Explain.