Completion of a Several-Tens-Kilogram-Scale Microwave Calcination Test on Manganese Nodule Ore – Aiming to reduce operating costs through energy savings –

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (“MWCC”) is participating in the “Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources” project led by the University of Tokyo, as announced in December 2024^*1. MWCC has now completed bench-scale calcination^*2 tests using several tens of kilograms manganese nodule ore. The results of an initial economic evaluation suggest the possibility of reducing operating costs through energy savings at the stage of future commercialization stage compared to the use of existing rotary kilns. Based on these results, MWCC will continue to advance its microwave calcination technology and conduct further verification toward social implementation.

■Background
MWCC is participating in the “Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources” project led by the University of Tokyo, which was selected in August 2024 under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Commissioning of early social implementation support projects for the creation of GX – related industries.” MWCC has been responsible for calcination tests of manganese nodule ore using Green Mining-MX^TM, its microwave technology platform for metal smelting and mining processes built on MWCC’s proprietary microwave technology.


■Overview
In tests conducted using MWCC’s bench-scale equipment that utilizes microwaves, the target temperature was reached and the ore was confirmed to have been calcined. MWCC also carried out an initial economic evaluation based on factors including energy efficiency and CO2 emissions, and identified the possibility of lower operating costs in the future compared with the use of existing rotary kilns.


■Outlook
MWCC will continue calcination tests using samples and evaluate the practical application potential of the technology. Through these initiatives, MWCC will contribute to the Cabinet Office’s efforts to strengthen the rare metals supply chain. MWCC will also continue to improve its microwave calcination technology, accumulate knowledge through collaboration with other companies and independent development, and promote its focus area of metal smelting and mining processes.

※1　Press release dated December 19, 2024
“Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. to Participate in the University of Tokyo’s Smelting Development Project for Seabed Mineral Resources”
https://mwcc.jp/news/3714/
※2　Thermal treatment process to completely remove crystalline water contained in ores by heating them to high temperatures