Resource security strategies and preferences for deep ocean mining from a community survey in Japan

Abstract

Japan is among the leading countries pursuing deep sea mining (DSM) – both in “The Area” and in its domestic waters. One of the key drivers for this is the dearth of national mineral resources and the government`s desire to secure supplies of metals for its economy. While Japan has been undertaking research and development on the technological and environmental aspects of DSM, it has largely neglected the engagement of the community. This paper presents the results of a survey about DSM and the preferences of society in Japan for alternative sources of minerals. Key results are that for Japanese respondents: (i) understanding of DSM is still low, (ii) they tend to prefer development of DSM domestically rather than overseas, (iii) they prefer recycling or development of substitutes rather than DSM, (iv) people care about the impact on other industries which already use the ocean (fishing, tourism) but are split on whether minor impacts should prevent DSM occurring. This is a preliminary survey and the issue requires further examination with more detailed surveys and sophisticated techniques, importantly there is a need to supply participants with the most recent scientific understanding of DSM and its environmental impacts relative to other industries and other resource supply methods. In terms of marine policy, it is clear that there is a need to engage in significant stakeholder consultation to ensure a social license to operate, including concrete scenarios and plans for local benefit and mitigation of local impacts.