Energy systems are highly interrelated with, dependent on and influence demand for resources. Many of the non-renewable resources are considered to have potential limitations with regards to their ongoing availability, whether due to physical scarcity or due to economic, environmental and geopolitical pressures.
In this research group, we have a significant sub-theme of research that examines resource-related issues, notably associated with the provision of minerals. Significant themes and example papers include:
Deep ocean mining (or seabed mining)
Carver, R., J. et al., A critical social perspective on deep sea mining: Lessons from the emergent industry in Japan, Ocean and Coastal Management, Volume 193, 1 August 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105242
This publication was associated with a project on Deep Sea Mining in collaboration with UK universities: Deep Seas Thinking
We have also investigated the community preferences for deep sea mining in Japan in an initial community survey published in Resources Policy.
Critical raw materials (mineral criticality)
Anish Koyamparambath, et al., Supply risk evolution of raw materials for batteries and fossil fuels for selected OECD countries (2000–2018), Resources Policy, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2021.102465 An example of measures of distribution of supply of such raw materials is shown in the following graphs.
Takuma Watari, et al., Global Metal Use Targets in Line with Climate Goals, Environmental Science and Technology, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c02471
Resource curse
Study on the Relationship between Mineral Resource Production and National Economies, Bergman, L., McLellan, B.C., Ogata, S., Tezuka, T., 第38回エネルギー･資源学会研究発表会, (38th Research Conference of the Japan Society for Energy and Resources), Tokyo, 5-6 August, 2019.
We have ongoing research investigating the socio-economic and environmental impacts of extracting minerals – from correlations with past data through to extrapolations of future mineral production and mineral requirements. Some of this research is aimed at identifying the specific benefits, opportunities and challenges associated with minerals production using macroeconomic approaches for comparing and classifying countries, as well as within specific countries. Other streams of research aim to identify the locations of the impacts and improvements associated with mining for the transition to clean energy technologies.
Resource Research Projects
Australia-Japan Symposium for Reducing Risks in Lithium Supply Chains