In the first stages of a deep-sea exploration operation, remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, are deployed. These ROVs are able to extract samples from the seabed using specially designed drills and cutting equipment.

Once obtained, these samples are analyzed to see if they contain rare earth minerals, with the amount detected indicative of the wider area’s resource deposits. If rare earth metals are detected in the samples, a wider, more comprehensive survey of the location is undertaken, with further samples taken to establish the full area containing the resources.

Once the area has been established and it has been determined that the site is suitable for mining operations, the ocean floor will be developed and equipment and machinery deployed to begin mining. The techniques used for this type of mining are the continuous line bucket system and the hydraulic suction system.

Continuous Line Bucket System (CLB)

The continuous line bucket system, or CLB for short, is the commercially preferred method for deep-sea mining. The mud is transferred from the seafloor to a ship on the surface via a conveyor belt.

Hydraulic pipes run the extracted seafloor mud to the surface and another pipe re-deposits residue and unwanted mud back to the seafloor.

Hydraulic Suction Systems (HSS)

The principal source for deep-sea mining operations is hydrothermal vents. The magma located within and below these vents heats the seawater around them, resulting in the metals in the sediment leaching and being exposed to the cold seawater.

Upon contact with the cold seawater, the metals form into solids in the sediment around the vents. They are then collected and transferred to the surface via the hydraulic suction system.

Mission Statement

Japan Commodity Exploration strives to be an environmentally responsible and sustainable company, and as such, our operations have been developed to be extremely efficient with both proactive and active measures being taken throughout the firm to minimize negative effects and pollution.

Our core values reflect our commitment to social accountability, good corporate governance and environmental protection in every project we undertake.

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