Yokohama Marine Mining will expand on the Company’s ongoing exploration and development programs in the Pacific Ocean of polymetallic nodules, a metal-rich resource that sits on the ocean bed several kilometers below the ocean’s surface.
Yokohama Marine Mining’s Chief Geological Officer, Mr. Bart Andrews commented on the feasibility study saying “We believe that these polymetallic nodules represent a sustainable resource for the world. So far, we have tested significant quantities of cobalt, nickel, copper and manganese. These are the metals we need to supply the rising growth in the electric vehicle industry, renewable energy battery systems and portable electronic devices for the future.”
“We are advancing as quickly as possible after completing our feasibility study of the ocean floor to ensure we can responsibly bring the supply of these metals. Our aim is to carry out our operations with minimal impact and maximum respect for the ocean and the environment and ensure we can meet the rising demand for building a sustainable economy that benefits everyone,” added Bart Andrews, Chief Geological Officer of Yokohama Marine Mining.
About Us - Yokohama Marine Mining
At Yokohama Marine Mining, we have a commitment to discover, develop and produce from rare earth mineral from locations throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Japan consumes more than 30,000 tons of rare earth metals every year. The Agency for Natural Resources & Energy in Japan have placed a significant emphasis on developing production of rare earth metals in the country. They have offered numerous development grants and exploration concessions.
We focus our exploration locations in the Pacific Ocean within 500km of the coast of the islands of Japan. Having undertaken exploration of over 100, we estimate that more than 100 billion tons of rare earth minerals are available in the sediment on the ocean floor.