Economic Validation Analyses of Japan's Proposed Nodule, Crust, and Kuroko-type SMS Mining in 2006

Metal market prices rose drastically in 2006, and most broke historical records. This increase was driven by economic growth in Asian countries, especially China. Here we present the results of economic validation analyses of Japan's proposed manganese nodule, cobalt-rich manganese crusts, and Kuroko-type seafloor massive sulfide mining in 2006, using updated economic parameters. Their important roles in the supply of metals for Japan are mentioned.