Our History
The first phase of SIP, "Next Generation Marine Resources Exploration Technology" (2014-2018), mainly targeted the submarine hydrothermal deposits located less than 2,000m water depth. In the second phase, "Innovative Deep Sea Resources Exploration Technology" (2018-2022), we were the first in the world to establish and demonstrate deep-sea resource exploration and recovery technology at more than 2,000m water depth.
Achievemnt of the "Innovative Deep Sea Resources Exploration Technology"
～Japan's future lies in the ocean～
Our main achievents in the past SIP Ocean Program
Completed of rough earth resource assessment
- We completed a detailed survey and assessment of the rare earth mud off Minamitorishima region.
Successful the sea trial of multiple types of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
- We succeeded in acquiring seafloor topography data by multiple types of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operation.
- We have developed the world's most advanced survey system (equipped with AUV swarm control technology, multi-user acoustic communication function, and long-term wide-area marine environment monitoring). This system will improve the survey of the deep sea resources.
Succeeded in the development of sludge removal and sludge collection system using the Deep Sea Drilling Vessel "Chikyu".
- We have developed a technology that enables the mining of rare earth mud deposited in the deep sea, conducted an actual sea test at a depth of 2,470m, and were the first in the world to successfully extract mud from seafloor sediment.
- This technology will contribute to the development for the carbon capture storage in the ocean.
Completed of the long-term monitoring off the Minamitorishima region/Approval of four items by the International Standared Organization (ISO)
- We completed the long-term monitoring off the Minamitori region.
- We has already begun operation the ISO four items in the sea trial of retrieving in August, 2022.