from the World to Japan From Akita to the World,

Targetted Resource of ICREMER

Collaboratine Countries and

Organization and support system of ICREMER International Strategy Headquarters

Advisor to the President on International Resource Science

Steering Committee Chairman: Executive Director in charge of academic research

Canada Copper・Rare metal

ICREMER

Advisor to the President on International Exchange

Special Advisor to the President on International Exchange

Samurai Residence in Kakunodate

KANTO Festival

International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resources, Akita University

ICREMER Six full-time teachers Six cooperative teachers

Bolivia Zinc・Rare metal Department of Engineering and Resource Science

Chile Copper・Rare metal

Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Science Mining Museum

・Cooperative teachers ・Acceptance of students from overseas ・Joint research

International Exchange Center

・Conclusion of agreements ・Support for overseas students ・Non-curricular guidance ・Japanese language training

Three Priority Countries

Tegata Campus. Akita University

NAMAHAGE SEDO Festival

KAMAKURA

The International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resource (ICREMER) was established in Akita University on October 1, 2009, and it aims to become an education and research hub developing resource experts with an international perspective. In recent years, as the demand for mineral and energy resources has grown on a global scale and resource prices have soared, it is becoming particularly difficult to secure rare metals, referred to as "the vitamins of industry." In order to contribute to sustainable global growth, meanwhile, we are urged to establish closer relationships with resource-rich countries and emerging economies in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other regions, and to step up its efforts to ensure resource security. In order to become a base for resource education and research, the Center has its major objective in meeting resource-rich countries’ requirements for the establishment of resource-related universities, research institutes and other organizations, and also for technical cooperation and human resource development. The Center also aims to provide practical and advanced training to foster experts in mineral resource field. We would like to accept and give an intensive education to graduate and undergraduate students studying natural resources at universities, and trainees and researchers from resource-related enterprises both in Japan and resourceful countries. The Center is a university-wide organization, but has close relationships with the Faculty and the Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Science. The Faculty is the successor to the Akita Mining College, which was founded in March 1910. During its 100-year history, many graduates have played active roles here mainly in the area of resource-related education and research. ICREMER, which aims to become an education and research base in the area of mineral and energy resources (in cooperation with the Faculty’s Department of Earth Science and Technology and Department of Engineering in Applied Chemistry and the Graduate School’s resource science-related divisions) will strive to the utmost to fulfill its missions by making the use of the experience it has gained in the education and research related to the fields of resource sciences.

Kazakhstan

Mongolia

Uranium・Rare metal

Rare earth・Copper

Serbia Copper

Thailand Vietnam

Rare earth・Gold

Rare earth

Cambodia

PNG

Rare earth・Gold

Botswana

Copper・Gold・Silver

Indonesia Copper・Gold・Rare metal

Nickel・Copper

Australia Copper・Gold・Rare metal

March 2011

Mongolia

Prof. Toshio Mizuta, Director, ICREMER

Kazakhstan

f r o m t h e Wo r l d t o J a p a n

International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resources, Akita University

Botswana

F r o m A k i t a t o t h e Wo r l d ,

1-1 Tegata Gakuen-machi, Akita-shi, Akita 010-8502 JAPAN／TEL: +81-18-889-2810／FAX: +81-18-889-3012 E-mail: [email protected]／URL: http://www.kokusaisigen.eng.akita-u.ac.jp

Akita University

Practice-oriented Post-Graduate Education Meeting Demands in the Field of Resource Development

Back ground of ICREMER Located in Akita

Akita University is the successor to the National Akita Mining College, which was established in 1910, and has built up a wealth of experience, technology and talent in the field of resource sciences in Japan. As such, Akita University is regarded as a premier institution where a series of skills related to mining operations are taught, ranging from prospecting, exploitation, smelting, to environmental conservation.

Resource-related Diplomacy

As China, India and other emerging economies industrialize, global demand for rare metals and rare earth metals has rapidly expanded. In these circumstances, in order for Japan to retain a leading role in the global manufacturing sector, the securing of mineral resources has become one of the most urgent national agenda. From this standpoint, the establishment of friendly relations with mineral-rich Asian and African countries has been a key to the sustainable development of the Japanese economy.

Contributing to International Development

On the other hand, in many mineral-rich countries, the sites of past mining operations have often become serious health and environmental hazards for nearby local people. To prevent such disastrous incidents from recurring, it is imperative that more appropriate technologies and environmentally conscious operations be employed. In this regard human resource and skills development in these countries are widely expected.

Fostering Human Resources

With globalization progressing at unprecedented speed, both Japanese scientists and industrialists alike are expected to duly participate in and contribute to this process. In this context, universities, in their role as institutions as the highest level of education and research, have an undeniable responsibility to foster the youth of Japan, who will eventually stand on the international stage possessing global perspectives and knowledge.

Development Strategy of ICREMER Vision

Missons

Activities

Contributing to sustainable resource development and resource security for the international community as a global center for education and research in resource science Well balanced development of resource-rich countries Skills development both of relevant institutions and personnel in resource-rich countries

Sustained competitiveness of Japanese manufacturers Human resource development at resource science-related Japanese institutions

Advancement of resource sciences

Joint research activities with leading institutions and personnel both at home and abroad

Activities to fulfill Organizational Missions of ICREMER 1 Human resource and skills development at resource-related educational and research institutions (1) Enhancement of institutional skills both in education and research (2) Human resource development 2 Fostering resource-related personnel in Japan (1) Acceptance and education of resource-related personnel from other universities, and the public and private sectors (2) Promotion of joint research with other universities, research institutions, municipalities, and private companies 3 Joint education and research with leading resource-related Institutions both at home and abroad (1) Personnel exchanges with leading institutions, including universities, academic societies, and research institutions (2) Promotion of joint research and symposiums with resource-related universities and other research institutions

Kuroko ore owned by Mining Museum

Exploration of ore deposits

Activities and Teaching Staff of ICREMER

Practice-oriented Education Program for International Resources Development Professionals Master’s Course

Environmental Evaluation and Preservation

Daizo Ishiyama,

Toshio Mizuta, Professor

Takeyuki Ogata,

Kosaka Smetling and Refining Kosaka Mine Zeolite Mine

Training Fields in Akita Prefecture

Assistant Professor

The precise knowledge of geological features and characteristics of ore deposits is essential for technology used to explore limited mineral resources. In order to discover and exploit the mineral deposits inside and outside Japan, it is necessary to conduct geological surveys and analyze the characteristics of igneous rocks and the relationships among alteration zones of the deposits from lithological, mineralogical, and geochemical points of view. The Center will work with cooperative professors and researchers of universities and enterprises to utilize methods including geology, mineral sciences, remote-sensing technology, age determination, geophysical exploration and resource informatics. Furthermore, students are able to gain an overall understanding of Akita’s world-renowned Kuroko (black ore) deposits (polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits), learn about their origins, and study the importance of exploration methods for mineral resources through on-site observations.

Mineral Resources Development

Nobuyuki Masuda, Associate Professor

The more mineral resources consumption and production increase, the lower the grade of ores and the deeper the deposits become. It is necessary to apply new technologies for the development of new deposits in remote and poor infrastructure areas, and for the refractory ores, which is difficult to process with conventional technologies. Furthermore, such considerations are strongly required as environmental measures during the mine development and operation, appropriate mining methods to maintain the neighboring natural environment, and reclamation and restoration after the mine closures. It is indispensable to develop, introduce, evaluate and apply new technologies to address these problems instead of using ineffective conventional technologies. Main themes of research and education in this field, includes; a more effective and appropriate resources evaluation and development strategies, more effective mining methods, new technologies for mine waste handling, and mine-influenced water treatment to minimize environmental effects.

Aomori

Osarizawa Mine

Ani Mine

Akita

Sumikawa Geothermal Power Plant

Iijima Zinc Refinery

Closed mine

Arakawa Mine

Active mine

Morioka

Sendai Yamagata

ICREMER

Recycling

Professor (cooperative teacher)

Hata Mine

Atsushi Shibayama, Professor (cooperative teacher )

Main focus of research works is to investigate the development of high efficiency recycling process technology in advanced mineral processing and metallurgy for; (1) Recovery of metals/minerals from low grade ores, complex ores and tailings. (2) Advanced technology for mineral processing (high impurities, mine tailings, etc.)(3) Development of new technology and process design for mineral processing (4) Recovery of metals from industrial wastes and electronic wastes (Urban mining)(5) Removal of hazardous impurities from resources (6) Hydrometallurgy for metal recovery and treatment of wastewater. Main educational subjects are consisted of resources and environmental engineering related to mineral and material processing and recycling and environmental technology including wastewater treatment and soil remediation. (1) Mineral processing, ferrous & non-ferrous, precious and rare metals recycling processes including minerals and municipal solid wastes, metal recovery from solution and wastewater treatment for environmental protection. (2) Applied technology and development of mineral processing, resource recovery and metal recycling.

Masahiko Bessho, Associate Professor

I am researching high-purity silica refined from low-grade amorphous silica resources found in diatomaceous earth, dissolved silicic acid in geothermal water and elsewhere in nature. The refined highpurity silica is used in certain advanced materials, such as raw material for solargrade silicon, filer and silica crucibles. In addition, I am researching how to recover valuable metals or non-metals through the recycling of waste materials and also by separation from unused resources.

In the field of environmental evaluation and preservation, research and education are carried out to evaluate the effects on the environment caused by mine drainage water from active and abandoned mines. The research is conducted to analyze the dispersion mechanism of elements in mine drainage water and to evaluate the effects on environments to prevent pollution based on collected data in the field (geological data, flow rate and pH etc.) and geochemical and isotopic data determined through laboratory experiments. The education of environmental evaluation field offers a program to establish a basis for environmental measure. Students obtain knowledge such as geology and solution chemistry through classes, field works at mining sites and laboratory experiments such as material characterization determined by micrometer- to nanometerscale observation and chemical analyses of major and trace elements determined by ion chromatography and ICP-MS. On the basis of the knowledge and experience, students are expected to consider the mutual relationships between the knowledge and data obtained by experiments and understand transportation and precipitation mechanisms of elements around mining area for environmental measure.

Kaminotai Geothermal Power Plant

Smelting・Materials Yoshino Mine

Yasushi Takasaki, Associate Professor

Today, it is widely understood that the effective utilization of resources and subsequent pollution control are imperative for building a sustainable r ec y cling-based societ y. In this regard,extractive metallurgy has been playing an important role not only in the production of metallic materials but also in metal recycling. The core of extractive metallurgy comprises chemistry, thermodynamics,electrochemistry , and others, and students are expected not only to theoretically learn these subjects in classrooms but also to acquire practical knowledge and skills from the past achievements and examples of research works and operations on site. Furthermore, students can understand the fundamental process of extractive metallurgy including solvent extraction and electrolysis through demonstrations and/or experiments. It is very convenient that we have hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical smelting plants within and around Akita Prefecture so that students can learn a great deal through visiting them from time to time.

Mineral Economics and Evaluation

Tsuyoshi Adachi, Professor

In order to tackle critical global issues related to mineral resources, the comprehensive analysis of the sustainable supply of resources is vital, taking into account resource constraints. The Mineral Economics and Evaluation Division has been studying the social, economic and environmental aspects of every stage of the resources supply chain, from mining to recycling, based on the principles of mineral economics. We are investigating the modeling of sustainable resources while using economics, financial engineering, and system engineering as analytical tools based on our academic background in resources technologies. Our current topics of research are: (1) Long-term global modeling to evaluate the sustainability of mineral resources (2) Supply-demand econometric model of mineral markets, prices and risk analysis (3) Evaluation of investment and resources policy based on Real Option analysis (4) Environmental impact analysis (LCA) of resources development.

Sustaining Worldwide Resource Development from Akita

Lectures, Seminar, Research Practical Education in English Graduate, Foreign and Mature Students

Doctoral Course Curriculum System for Master’s and Doctoral Degree Resource and Earth Science Division Resource Development Engineering Division

Field Work and Internship

Domestic fieldwork in Akita Prefecture and elsewhere in Japan

Resource Environment Engineering Division

Practical education program with off-campus fieldwork

Overseas fieldwork at mines and partner universities

Doctor Thesis Conferral of Doctor Degree

Resource fieldwork Selection of major division and elective subjects from all divisions

Research collaboration with international researchers and research Institutions Faculty always available to advise on choice of research theme, on presentations of research progress, and on seminars Fostering international professionals contributing to the sustainable development and stable supply of resources for the world

Distinctive Features of ICREMER 1 ICREMER provides support for the formulation of educational materials and for the improvement of the skills of teaching staff to resource-related universities and other research institutions in resource-rich countries to strengthen their educational and research abilities. 2 ICREMER carries out practically-oriented post-graduate education through the "field-campus-shuttle" method, in which students or researchers from resource-rich countries or from resource-related private companies in Japan can learn theory on campus and carry out field exercises at mining sites in and around Akita prefecture.

3 ICREMER conducts all lectures and research work in English so that students could participate in resource sciencerelated education and research at an international stage. 4 ICREMER perform education activities in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Sciences, with additional support provided by visiting professors from other leading Japanese universities. 5 ICREMER places importance on partnerships with private companies based in Akita and neighboring prefectures, and conducts assessments of the potential for domestic resources and production while promoting educational and research activities.

Achievement of ICREMER 1.Activities with Major Partner Universities

(1) Mongolia University of Science and Technology (MUST) Oct. 22nd, 2009 Signing of partnership agreement Nov., 2009 Joint survey on geological resources in Mongolia Mar., 2010 Establishment of Remote Education System at MUST Sep., 2010 Guidance on resources survey of MUST students (2) Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Oct. 23rd, 2009 Signing of partnership agreement Oct., 2009 Acceptance of two post graduate MD and Phd students Apr., 2010 Confirmation of progress in establishing BIUST Jan., 2011 Confirmation of progress in establishing BIUST (3) East Kazakhstan State Technical University (EKSTU) Dec., 2010 Preliminary discussion for partnership agreement Jun., 2011 Signing of partnership agreement (planned)

(4) University of Botswana (UB) Jan., 2011 Preliminary discussion for partnership agreement Mar. 31st, 2011 Signing of partnership agreement

2.Other Activities

Sep., 2010 Apr., 2011

3.Symposium

Participation in JICA study on technical cooperation at the Bor Mine in the Republic of Serbia Contracted with JICA for a Project for Mine Waste Management at the Bor Mine in the Republic of Serbia

Jun. 5th, 2010 Inauguration ceremony for the establishment of ICREMER Oct. 20th, 2010 International symposium