Challenges toward the sea-floor massive sulfide mining with more advanced technologies

It is remarkable that the mineral resource prices are soaring as well as the battle on the resource scramble in the world is heating up. The reasons are the world´s active demand on the emerging economic power and the recent “resource nationalism” in resource-rich countries, etc. With these changes, the target of new development is expanding not only to the land deposits, but also to the sea-floor mineral resources. The technologies used for sea floor mineral resource exploration and the working tools in the deep-sea environment are progressing rapidly these days. However, the technology level is not yet practical enough. Unfortunately, the sea-floor mining has not been realized yet, although a few venture companies are planning to develop sea-floor mineral resources. Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) has started to accelerate the exploration program for the sea-floor massive sulfides (SMS) in the EEZ of Japan, and launched the investigation program for mining, processing and environment on SMS development. Through these programs, development of new technologies and introduction of more advanced technologies are progressing for the possible commercial mining after ten years. Along with these exploration and investigation, the 20 cm resolution bathymetry survey and sea-floor electromagnetic study has been completed in December 2010. The development of small-scale mining testing tools was also commenced. JOGMEC is also building a new marine resources research vessel aiming to go into service in 2012.