KazakhstanUranium・Rare metal

MongoliaRare earth・Copper

CanadaCopper・Rare metal

BotswanaNickel・Copper

SerbiaCopper Thailand

Rare earth・Gold

CambodiaRare earth・Gold

VietnamRare earth

PNGCopper・Gold・Silver

ChileCopper・Rare metal

BoliviaZinc・Rare metal

IndonesiaCopper・Gold・Rare metal

AustraliaCopper・Gold・Rare metal

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

Mongolia Kazakhstan

Three Priority Countries

Organization and support system of ICREMER

KazakhstanUranium・Rare metal

MongoliaRare earth・Copper

CanadaCopper・Rare metal

BotswanaNickel・Copper

SerbiaCopper Thailand

Rare earth・Gold

CambodiaRare earth・Gold

VietnamRare earth

PNGCopper・Gold・Silver

ChileCopper・Rare metal

BoliviaZinc・Rare metal

IndonesiaCopper・Gold・Rare metal

AustraliaCopper・Gold・Rare metal

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.

March 2011

Prof. Toshio Mizuta, Director,ICREMER

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

Collaboratine Countries andTargetted Resource of ICREMER

Samurai Residence in Kakunodate

NAMAHAGE SEDO Festival

Tegata Campus. Akita University

KANTO Festival

KAMAKURA

Botswana

ICREMERSix full-time teachers

Six cooperative teachers

Department of Engineering and Resource Science

Graduate School of Engineering and Resource

ScienceMining 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

Steering CommitteeChairman: Executive Director

in charge of academic research

Advisor to the

President on International

Resource Science

Advisor to the

President on International

Exchange

Special Advisor to the

President on International

Exchange

International Strategy

Headquarters ICREMERInternational Center for Research and

Education on Mineral and Energy Resources,Akita University

Akita University

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

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

Activities to fulfill Organizational Missions of ICREMER1 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 development2 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 companies3 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

Located in AkitaAkita 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 DiplomacyAs 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 DevelopmentOn 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 ResourcesWith 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.

1.Activities with Major Partner Universities(1) Mongolia University of Science and Technology (MUST)Oct. 22nd, 2009 Signing of partnership agreementNov., 2009 Joint survey on geological resources in MongoliaMar., 2010 Establishment of Remote Education System at MUSTSep., 2010 Guidance on resources survey of MUST students

(2) Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)Oct. 23rd, 2009 Signing of partnership agreementOct., 2009 Acceptance of two post graduate MD and Phd students Apr., 2010 Confirmation of progress in establishing BIUSTJan., 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 agreementMar. 31st, 2011 Signing of partnership agreement

2.Other ActivitiesSep., 2010 Participation in JICA study on technical cooperation at the Bor Mine in the Republic of SerbiaApr., 2011 Contracted with JICA for a Project for Mine Waste Management at the Bor Mine in the Republic of Serbia

3.SymposiumJun. 5th, 2010 Inauguration ceremony for the establishment of ICREMEROct. 20th, 2010 International symposium

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 science-related 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.

Back ground of ICREMER

Development Strategy of ICREMER

Achievement of ICREMER

Distinctive Features of ICREMER

Sendai

Yamagata

Aomori

MoriokaAkita

Kosaka Mine

Hata Mine

Osarizawa Mine

Ani Mine

Closed mine Active mineArakawa Mine

Zeolite Mine

Kaminotai GeothermalPower Plant

Yoshino Mine

Sumikawa GeothermalPower Plant

ICREMER

Kosaka Smetling and Refining

Iijima Zinc Refinery

Training Fields in Akita Prefecture

Recycling

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.

Mineral Resources Development

Nobuyuki Masuda,Associate ProfessorThe 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.

Exploration of ore deposits

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 o f Ak i ta ’s wor ld - renowned Kuroko (black ore) deposits (polymetal l ic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits), learn about their origins, and study the importance of exploration methods for mineral resources through on-site observations.

Toshio Mizuta, Professor

Takeyuki Ogata, Assistant Professor

Mineral Economics and Evaluation

Tsuyoshi Adachi,ProfessorIn 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.

Environmental Evaluation and Preservation

Daizo Ishiyama, Professor(cooperative teacher)In the field of environmental evaluation a n d p r e s e r v a t i o n , r e s e a r c h a n d 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 nanometer-scale observation and chemical analyses of major and trace elements determined by ion chromatography and ICP-MS. On the basis of the knowledge and experience, s t u d e n t s a r e e x p e c t e d t o 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.

Smelting ・Materials

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 recycl ing-based society. 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.

Kuroko ore owned by Mining Museum

VisionContributing to sustainable resource development and

resource security for the international community as a global center for education and research in resource science

Skills development both of relevant institutions

and personnel in resource-rich countries

Joint research activities with leading institutions and personnel both at

home and abroad

Human resource development at

resource science-related Japanese institutions

Missons

Activities

Well balanced development of

resource-rich countriesAdvancement of

resource sciences Sustained

competitiveness of Japanese manufacturers

Graduate, Foreign

and Mature

Students

Lectures, Seminar, ResearchPractical Education in English

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

Doctor Thesis

Conferral of Doctor Degree

Field Work and Internship

Domestic fieldwork in Akita

Prefecture and elsewhere in

Japan

Overseas fieldwork at mines and partner universities

Practical education

program with off-campus fieldwork

Master’s Course Doctoral Course

Curriculum System for Master’s and Doctoral Degree

Resource and Earth Science Division

Resource Development Engineering Division

Resource Environment Engineering Division

Resource fieldwork

Masahiko Bessho,Associate ProfessorI am research ing h igh-pur i ty s i l ica refined from low-grade amorphous silica resources found in diatomaceous earth, dissolved silicic acid in geothermal water and elsewhere in nature. The refined high-purity silica is used in certain advanced materials, such as raw material for solar-grade 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.

Sustaining Worldwide Resource Development from Akita

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

Activities and Teaching Staff of ICREMER

Practice-oriented Education Program for International Resources Development Professionals