Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security
Japanese government Independent Administrative Institution
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC), Metal Mining Agency of Japan (MMAJ)
| 独立行政法人エネルギー・金属鉱物資源機構 | |
| |
 The headquarters in Toranomon Twin Building, Tokyo | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 29 March 2004 |
| Preceding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Japan, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy |
| Headquarters | Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Employees | 604 people (January 1, 2019) |
| Annual budget | 1,839 Billion Yen (2014 Fiscal Year) |
| Agency executive |
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| Child agency |
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| Website | http://www.jogmec.go.jp/ |
The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (独立行政法人エネルギー・金属鉱物資源機構, Enerugī kinzoku kōbutsu shigen kikō; JOGMEC), is a Japanese government Independent Administrative Institution which was created in 2004 when the former Japan National Oil Corporation merged with the former Metal Mining Agency of Japan.[1]
History
JOGMEC integrates corollary functions in one administrative entity. The former Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC) had been tasked with securing a stable supply of oil and natural gas for Japan's use. The former Metal Mining Agency of Japan (MMAJ) had been tasked with ensuring a stable supply of nonferrous metal and mineral resources for Japan's use. Greater efficiencies were realized by combining two bureaucracies with similar missions.[citation needed] JOGMEC was established in 2004 pursuant to the 2002 Law Concerning the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation.[2][3]
In March 2013, JOGMEC becomes the first to successfully extract methane hydrate from seabed deposits.[4][5]
Activities
JOGMEC's Geological Remote Satellite Sensing Centre in Lobatse, Botswana was created in partnership with the southern African nation's Department of Geological Survey in July 2008. The Japan-Botswana partnership will work together in developing the exploration of minerals through methods such as remote sensing.[6]
JOGMEC carried out the world's first "large-scale" deep sea mining of hydrothermal vent mineral deposits in August – September, 2017. This mining was carried out at the 'Izena hole/cauldron' vent field within the hydrothermally active back-arc basin known as the Okinawa Trough which contains 15 confirmed vent fields according to the InterRidge Vents Database.[7]
JOGMEC manages rare metal stockpiles in conjunction with private companies.[8]