Next-generation technology for ocean resources exploration (Zipangu-in-the-Ocean) project in Japan

An overview of national exploration and exploitation projects for seabed mineral resources in Japan are presented to discuss the challenges and goals of these projects. Their main targets are seafloor massive sulfide deposits (SMS), cobalt-rich crusts, and other seafloor resources. About 30 SMSs are found in the area under national jurisdiction of Japan. The inferred ore reserve of one of them at the Hakurei site, Okinawa Trough is 3.74 million tonnes which is regarded as a medium sized massive sulfide ore body if it exists on land. Few more large scale SMSs are known in the area and additional exploration is promising. This is the reason why the “Zipangu-in-the-Ocean” program had started in 2014. Environmental managements of science-based precaution is necessary before the commencement of the seabed mining in any areas.