J-MARS consists of four private companies: Japan Petroleum Exploration, JGI, Mitsubishi Materials Techno and IDEA Consultants. We contribute to developing research to set the guidelines for marine resource research systems and environmental assessment methods. Established in 2014, J-MARS joined the SIP program hosted by the government. The first subject of the program in the field of marine studies was “Marine resource research techniques for the next generation.” We improved the techniques for deep sea mineral resource research targeting hydrothermal deposit. We participated in the program again to address the second subject whixh is, “Innovative resource research techniques for the deep sea.” We are the only private company among the participating organizations. Since the start of the second SIP program in 2018, we have been developing specialized techniques related to the Minamitori Island EEZ’s rare-earth elements.
These are our current activities.
Industrial Model Construction
We have been doing research on marine robotic techniques related to rare earth around the world, trying to see if there is potential economic impact in the process. Also, we started a discussion with the government ministries and organizations on how to maximize the potential of Minamitori Island as a main base of mineral processing, remaining soil, and transferring people and materials.
Monitoring Techniques for Marine Environment
For the sustainable development of marine resources, we have been monetarizing the certain area using the environment assessment methods invented in the first SIP program. Even now, Edokko Mark 1 type 365 has been doing the research at the bottom over 5,000m under the sea. These methods were proposed to ISO. Also, we offer the trainings of marine environment assessment techniques among Pacific islands to create a strong cooperation with them. We’ve had 17 people from 7 countries in our trainings so far. We hope to encourage Japanese universities and develop more talented people in the field of marine studies for the future.
As mentioned above, we will continue the industrial model construction step by step for the future. But it will be impossible to proceed without the support from ministries and research organizations, and research of deep sea.
j-mares-hp@jgi.co.jp | |
Address | 1-5-21 Otsuka, Bunkyoku, Tokyo, 112-0012 Japan |