Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. to Participate in the University of Tokyo’s Smelting Development Project for Seabed Mineral Resources

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (“MWCC”) is proud to announce its participation in the “Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources”, a project led by the University of Tokyo and selected under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s ” Commissioning of early social implementation support projects for the creation of GX related industries” in August 2024. MWCC will leverage its microwave technology platform, Green Mining-MX, to conduct calcination tests on manganese nodule ores found offshore Minami-Torishima Island, Japan.

■Background
Rare metals, critical for battery production and other advanced applications, are vital to Japan’s industrial and technological landscape. Securing a stable and sustainable supply of these metals remains a national priority. Recent expeditions have confirmed the presence of vast deposits of manganese nodules—spherical mineral resources rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese—within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Minami-Torishima Island. These findings have heightened expectations for their development.

However, the significant cost associated with mining and smelting rare metals from these offshore manganese nodule ores presents a considerable challenge. Addressing this issue requires innovative, cost-efficient solutions to smelt these valuable resources.

■Overview

Recognizing the need for economically feasible smelting methods, MWCC will utilize its Green Mining-MX platform to conduct a series of calcination tests on manganese nodule ore. This technology reduces energy consumption, directly addressing cost challenges and paving the way for broader adoption of sustainable mining practices.

■Future Developments

This year, MWCC will conduct laboratory-scale tests processing a few kilograms of ore. Next year, bench-scale tests processing several dozen kilograms will be carried out using MWCC’s microwave-based standard bench equipment for metal smelting and mining processes. * After evaluating the economic feasibility of the technology, MWCC plans to conduct multi-ton scale demonstrations between 2026 and 2027.

Through this initiative, MWCC aims to extend the application of its technology platform beyond land-based mining resources to offshore mineral resources, contributing to the Cabinet Office’s efforts to strengthen the rare metal supply chain.

1 The University is conducting demonstration tests and evaluating social implementation for manganese nodule resource extraction in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone near Minami-Torishima Island. The University of Tokyo’s “Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources” project was selected under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Commissioning of early social implementation support projects for the creation of GX related industries”.

2 MWCC’s April 24, 2024 press release on the completion of its innovative microwave-based standard bench unit for metal smelting and mining processes.
https://mwcc.jp/post_en/press_release/3397/