Safety Assessment of Pilot Test on Excavating and Ore Lifting of PMS

Abstract

The Japanese Government’s “Basic Plan on Ocean Policy” (approved by the Cabinet) and “Ocean Energy and Mineral Resources Development Plan” (formulated by the METI [Ministry of Economy. Trade and Industry]) highlight development of seafloor polymetallic sulphides (PMS) as a major initiative Japan intends to promote. After receiving a request from the METI in 2017, the JOGMEC (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation) conducted the world's first PMS excavating and ore lifting pilot test under the sea near Okinawa. Before conducting the pilot test, a safety assessment was performed to identify hazards, or risk factors and determine the risk level of the test. To respond to high risk factors, adequate safety measures were developed and reflected in equipment designs and the test plan. This paper describes how the safety assessment was conducted for three years before the test, the results of the test and points that need to be considered for commercial production.