Microwave Chemical Completes Bench-Scale Microwave Calcination Test of Manganese Nodule Ore at Dozens of Kilograms
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. has successfully completed a microwave calcination test of manganese nodule ore at a scale of dozens of kilograms in collaboration with the University of Tokyo. The test indicated potential for lower running costs through energy reduction compared to conventional methods.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 00:30
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Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "the Company") has participated in the "Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources" project led by the University of Tokyo, as announced in December 2024. The Company has now completed a bench-scale calcination test of manganese nodule ore at a scale of dozens of kilograms. Initial economic evaluation results suggested the possibility of reducing running costs through energy savings in the future implementation stage compared to using conventional rotary kilns. Based on these results, the Company will continue to advance microwave calcination technology and proceed with verification toward social implementation.
[Background]
The Company is participating in the "Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources" undertaken by the University of Tokyo, which was selected for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Early Social Implementation Support Project for Creating GX-related Industries" in August 2024. The Company has been responsible for the calcination testing of manganese nodule ore using its proprietary Green Mining-MX platform, a microwave technology platform for metal smelting and mining processes.
[Overview]
In this test using the Company's microwave bench-top equipment, it was confirmed that the target temperature was reached and the ore was successfully calcined. Furthermore, an initial economic evaluation considering energy efficiency and CO2 emissions found that running costs could potentially be lower than using existing rotary kilns in the future.
[Future Outlook]
The Company will continue calcination tests using samples to determine the feasibility of practical application of the technology. Through these efforts, the Company aims to contribute to the resilience of the rare metal supply chain promoted by the Cabinet Office. The Company will continue to improve microwave calcination technology and accumulate knowledge through collaboration with other companies and independent development, leading to the advancement of its focused metal smelting and mining process business.
*1 December 19, 2024 Press Release: Participation in 'Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources' selected by Tokyo Metropolitan Government's GX project - Implementation of calcination tests of manganese nodule ore off Minami-Torishima.
*2 Calcination: A process of heating ore at high temperatures to completely remove crystallization water.
[Background]
The Company is participating in the "Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources" undertaken by the University of Tokyo, which was selected for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Early Social Implementation Support Project for Creating GX-related Industries" in August 2024. The Company has been responsible for the calcination testing of manganese nodule ore using its proprietary Green Mining-MX platform, a microwave technology platform for metal smelting and mining processes.
[Overview]
In this test using the Company's microwave bench-top equipment, it was confirmed that the target temperature was reached and the ore was successfully calcined. Furthermore, an initial economic evaluation considering energy efficiency and CO2 emissions found that running costs could potentially be lower than using existing rotary kilns in the future.
[Future Outlook]
The Company will continue calcination tests using samples to determine the feasibility of practical application of the technology. Through these efforts, the Company aims to contribute to the resilience of the rare metal supply chain promoted by the Cabinet Office. The Company will continue to improve microwave calcination technology and accumulate knowledge through collaboration with other companies and independent development, leading to the advancement of its focused metal smelting and mining process business.
*1 December 19, 2024 Press Release: Participation in 'Development of Smelting Methods for Seabed Mineral Resources' selected by Tokyo Metropolitan Government's GX project - Implementation of calcination tests of manganese nodule ore off Minami-Torishima.
*2 Calcination: A process of heating ore at high temperatures to completely remove crystallization water.