Japan Initiates Investigation for Nuclear Waste Disposal on Remote Island

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has initiated the first phase of an investigation to assess the suitability of Minamitorishima, a remote Pacific island, for nuclear waste disposal. According to Ming Pao, the island, located 2,000 kilometers from Tokyo and surrounded by coral reefs, is uninhabited and restricted from tourism, with only personnel from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Meteorological Agency stationed there. The investigation process involves three stages before the government can confirm the site for nuclear waste disposal. The first stage, known as the 'documentary survey,' involves studying geological and volcanic activity through existing literature. This will be followed by an 'overview survey,' which includes on-site drilling and excavation. The final stage, the 'detailed survey,' will use underground facilities to examine rock formations and groundwater. The entire investigation is expected to take approximately 20 years. Previously, similar surveys have been conducted in Suttsu Town and Kamoenai Village in Hokkaido, as well as a location in Saga Prefecture in northwestern Kyushu.