Economic Feasibility Impacts Of Waste And Waste Water Treatment Regulations For Deep Ocean Hydrothermal Ore Mining in Japan

摘要

Development of deep ocean hydrothermal poly-metallic ore mining is ahighly anticipated industry in Japan to increase self-sufficiency ofmetals and bring economic benefits, however there are many issues stillto be clarified, including waste disposal and its economic feasibilityimpact. This paper examines the current applicable regulations in Japanto understand what the potential barriers and problem waste elementsmay be. The results show that waste water treatment under threedifferent sets of regulations may require at least 99.9% removal of As,Hg and suspended solids from the slurry before it is released.