2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Sustainability and stakeholder engagement for remote deep ocean resources of critical minerals
| Project/Area Number |
26701014
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
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| Allocation Type | Partial Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Field |
Design and evaluation of sustainable and environmental conscious system
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| Research Institution | Kyoto University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
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| Keywords | Deep ocean resources / minerals / sustainability / stakeholder / LCA / energy / mineral-energy nexus / metal |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
This research project aimed to assess the environmental and social aspects of mining deep ocean metal ores. The project found that when we extract ore from the bottom of ocean it is generally more energy and emissions intensive than from on land. However, when we consider the production of metal from this ore (which has a higher concentration of metal than deposits on land) it is likely to be better (less impact). There is still more research needed to confirm this.
A survey of Japanese stakeholders was also undertaken, and the results are being analysed to understand whether local or other stakeholders understand and support deep ocean mining. Other options, such as recycling and importing metals were also discussed.
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| Free Research Field |
Chemical Engineering
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