JOGMEC's Activities

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Deep-Sea Mineral Resources Exploration Program

Throughout the Pacific, JOGMEC has been involved in studies and surveys that are unlocking the secrets of mineral deposits on the deep-sea floor. Working with private investors and with nations, JOGMEC has generated extensive data that are helping make deep-sea mining feasible.

Helping to Make Deep-Sea Mining a Reality


Benthic Multi-coring System (BMS)

JOGMEC has been exploring for deep-sea mineral resources since fiscal 1975. Our first project was a survey of manganese nodules in the area within the Clarion and Clipperton fracture zone (CC zone) southeast of Hawaii. The survey of manganese nodules we conducted in the open sea to the southeast of Hawaii from fiscal 1975 to fiscal 1996 contributed to the acquisition of an exploration license in 1987 by Deep Ocean Resources Development Co, Ltd. (DORD). JOGMEC and several Japanese companies are investors in DORD, whose exploration license covers 75,000 km². In fiscal 1985, JOGMEC began a survey of hydrothermal deposits on the East Pacific Rise off Mexico, and in fiscal 1987 we started a survey of cobalt-rich manganese crusts in the open seas of the Central Pacific.


R/V Hakureimaeru No. 2

JOGMEC is now conducting an exclusive study of the geographical distribution of cobalt-rich manganese crusts in the open seas of the Central Pacific, between Marcus Island and Wake Island and between Wake Island and Johnston Island. In particular, we have been working to measure the thickness of the crust over the past several years using a Benthic Multi-coring System (BMS), and continue to acquire extensive data on the thickness and metal content of the crust.

During these programs, JOGMEC has conducted technological studies to develop new equipment to explore for the deep-sea mineral resources. Technical studies on metal extraction using smelting and refining methods and bioleaching for cobalt-rich manganese crusts began in fiscal 2003. In addition, we have compiled a database of deep-sea mineral resources.