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Scientific Rationale: It is by now widely accepted that Mars had a wet and periodically warm past in the Noachian e.g. [1], but it is still open whether liquid water has played any role geologically in recent times or is even present in significant amounts near the surface today e.g. [2]. One key young area are the Cerberus Fossae (C.F.), a system of < 10 Ma old, 1200 km long grabens in Eastern Elysium Planitia. They connect to sediments in Athabasca Valles that have been interpreted as fluvial sediments from a frozen water layer molten by volcanism 8-10 Ma ago [3], but could alternatively be explained by very low viscosity lava as well [4]

On 2020 December 5 at 17:28 UTC, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hayabusa2 sample return capsule (SRC) re-entered Earth's atmosphere. The capsule passed through the atmosphere at supersonic speeds, emitting sound and light. The inaudible sound was recorded by infrasound sensors installed by Kochi University of Technology and Curtin University. Based on analysis of the recorded infrasound, the trajectory of the SRC in two cases, one with constant-velocity linear motion and the other with silent flight, could be estimated with an accuracy of 0° 5 in elevation and 1° in direction. A comparison with optical observations suggests a state of flight in which no light is emitted but sound is emitted. In this paper, we describe the method and results of the trajectory estimation.

Background: As a result of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, many residents evacuated and were exposed to changes in their living environment and socioeconomic status, and to persistent stressors. Past studies have suggested the potential for these circumstances to contribute to long-term changes to population health.Objective: The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of long-term health effects of evacuation, by evaluating the risk of non-communicable diseases among evacuees from Minamisoma City (one of the closest municipalities to the power plant) until 2017.Methods: The study evaluated data from annual health check-ups for residents aged 40-74 years covered by National Health Insurance (who are largely self-employed) from 2010 to 2017 administered by Minamisoma City. Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were defined from the results of blood sampling. Annual changes in age-adjusted prevalence were estimated by evacuation scenario. We also performed an inverse-probability weighting (IPW) analysis to adjust for baseline covariates in 2010 and estimated the differences in the risk of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension by evacuation scenario as of the 2017 health check-up in reference to the no-evacuation group.Results: A total of 1,837 individuals were considered in this study. Regardless of evacuation scenario, there was statistical evidence suggesting an upward and a downward trend in diabetes and hypertension from 2010 to 2017, respectively, while hyperlipidemia showed no remarkable change. IPW analyses demonstrated that disease risks in 2017 did not differ significantly among people with different evacuation scenarios.Conclusions: Region-specific factors played an important role in the health effects of the evacuation. Our findings have important implications for the need of an assessment of the health effects of evacuations in more localized manner. Further research in this area will strengthen the communit

RATIONALE: The health vulnerability of certain populations such as children, the elderly and individuals with illnesses or physical disability can become significant in disasters. After the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, significant health impacts on vulnerable populations were observed during early or mid-term phase of the disaster, presumably associated with the evacuation. However, there is limited information available on the health impacts owing to long-term evacuation after disaster among them. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 56-year-old physically challenged male with arteriovenous malformation on his right lower limb, diagnosed when he was 2 years' old, lived near the FDNPP. He and his family were forced to evacuate immediately after the accident. DIAGNOSIS: Three months after evacuation following the FDNPP accident, he developed a refractory foot ulcer associated with atrial fibrillation and congestive cardiac failure because of deterioration of arteriovenous malformation, presumably led by repeated evacuations. INTERVENTION: Although anticoagulation therapy and diuretic therapy improved his cardiac failure in the initial admission, he decided to only be treated with supportive care after revelation that his arteriovenous malformation was no longer eligible for aggressive intervention. OUTCOME: Three years after the long-term evacuation in temporary houses, the patient died of bleeding and infection of the ulcer. LESSONS: This case suggests that long-term evacuation for individuals with physical disability may lead to significant health impacts, and even premature death, through the deterioration of daily life activities due to physical and psychological burdens. This case presents a need for further research on ways that disasters impact the health of individuals with physical disabilities, and greater disaster preparation for the needs of populations with physical disabilities.

The health threats of radiation-release incidents are diverse and long term. In addition to direct radiation effects, it is imperative to manage the indirect effects of radiation such as stigma, prejudice and broader mental health impacts. Six years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident of March 2011, bullying caused by stigma and prejudice toward evacuees, including children, has become a social problem in Japan. This phenomenon may be associated with the fact that knowledge about radiation has still not reached the general public, and to a potential lack of motivation among Japanese citizens to learn about radiation and bullying. Continuous and sustained education regarding radiation is warranted in order to enhance the general knowledge level about the effects of radiation in Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, and this education will become an important reference for education after future nuclear disasters.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to media reporting on suicide can lead to suicide contagion and, in some circumstances, may also lead to help-seeking behaviour. There is limited evidence for which specific characteristics of media reports mediate these phenomena. METHODS: This observational study examined associations between putatively harmful and protective elements of media reports about suicide in 13 major publications in the Toronto media market and subsequent suicide deaths in Toronto (2011-2014). We used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether specific article characteristics were associated with increases or decreases in suicide deaths in the 7 days after publication, compared with a control window. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2014, there were 6367 articles with suicide as the major focus and 947 suicide deaths. Elements most strongly and independently associated with increased suicides were a statement about the inevitability of suicide (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.62), about asphyxia by a method other than car exhaust (OR 1.72, CI 1.36-2.18), about suicide by jumping from a building (OR 1.70, CI 1.28-2.26) or about suicide pacts (OR 1.63, CI 1.14-2.35), or a headline that included the suicide method (OR 1.41, CI 1.07-1.86). Elements most strongly and independently associated with decreased suicides were unfavourable characteristics (negative judgments about the deceased; OR 1.85, CI 1.20-2.84), or mentions of railway (OR 1.61, CI 1.10-2.36) and cutting or stabbing (OR 1.59, CI 1.19-2.13) deaths, and individual murder-suicide (OR 1.50, CI 1.23-1.84). INTERPRETATION: This large study identified significant associations between several specific elements of media reports and suicide deaths. It suggests that reporting on suicide can have a meaningful impact on suicide deaths and that journalists and media outlets and organizations should carefully consider the specific content of reports before publication.

After the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, little information has been available on individual doses from external exposure among residents living in radioactively contaminated areas near the nuclear plant; in the present study we evaluated yearly changes in the doses from external exposure after the accident and the effects of decontamination on external exposure. This study considered all children less than 16 years of age in Soma City, Fukushima who participated in annual voluntary external exposure screening programs during the five years after the accident (n = 5,363). In total, 14,405 screening results were collected. The median participant age was eight years. The geometric mean levels of annual additional doses from external exposure attributable to the Fukushima accident, decreased each year: 0.60 mSv (range: not detectable (ND)-4.29 mSv), 0.37 mSv (range: ND-3.61 mSv), 0.22 mSv (range: ND-1.44 mSv), 0.20 mSv (range: ND-1.87 mSv), and 0.17 mSv (range: ND-0.85 mSv) in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. The proportion of residents with annual additional doses from external exposure of more than 1 mSv dropped from 15.6% in 2011 to zero in 2015. Doses from external exposure decreased more rapidly than those estimated from only physical decay, even in areas without decontamination (which were halved in 395 days from November 15, 2011), presumably due to the weathering effects. While the ratios of geometric mean doses immediately after decontamination to before were slightly lower than those during the same time in areas without decontamination, annual additional doses reduced by decontamination were small (0.04-0.24 mSv in the year of immediately after decontamination was completed). The results of this study showed that the levels of external exposure among Soma residents less than 16 years of age decreased during the five years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Decontamination had only limited and tempor

OBJECTIVE: This research aims to determine the long-term impact of the Bloor Street Viaduct suicide barrier on rates of suicide in Toronto and whether media reporting had any impact on suicide rates. DESIGN: Natural experiment. SETTING: City of Toronto, Canada; records at the chief coroner's office of Ontario 1993-2003 (11 years before the barrier) and 2004-2014 (11 years after the barrier). PARTICIPANTS: 5403 people who died by suicide in the city of Toronto. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in yearly rates of suicide by jumping at Bloor Street Viaduct, other bridges including nearest comparison bridge and walking distance bridges, and buildings, and by other means. RESULTS: Suicide rates at the Bloor Street Viaduct declined from 9.0 deaths/year before the barrier to 0.1 deaths/year after the barrier (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.005, 95% CI 0.0005 to 0.19, p=0.002). Suicide deaths from bridges in Toronto also declined significantly (IRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.71, p<0.0001). Media reports about suicide at the Bloor Street Viaduct were associated with an increase in suicide-by-jumping from bridges the following year. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that, over the long term, suicide-by-jumping declined in Toronto after the barrier with no associated increase in suicide by other means. That is, the barrier appears to have had its intended impact at preventing suicide despite a short-term rise in deaths at other bridges that was at least partially influenced by a media effect. Research examining barriers at other locations should interpret short-term results with caution.

RATIONALE: The primary setting of palliative care has shifted from inpatient care to patients' residences. Family caregiving is essential for patients with life-limiting illnesses to receive palliative care at home, however little information is available regarding potential interventions to achieve palliative homecare for those without sufficient support from family members in various settings, including disasters. PATIENT CONCERNS: In March 2011, Fukushima, Japan experienced an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. In August 2015, a 59-year-old Japanese female presented to our hospital, located 23 km north of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, with a right breast ulcer. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. INTERVENTIONS: The patient's general condition gradually worsened despite a one-year course of chemotherapy, and she became bedridden after a fall in October 2016. Although the patient wished to receive palliative homecare, this appeared challenging to achieve because she resided alone in a temporary housing shelter. Although she originally lived with her family in Odaka District, Fukushima, she relocated outside of the city following evacuation orders after the disaster. The evacuation orders for Odaka District were still in effect when she returned to the city alone in 2014. We contacted her sister who moved apart from her during the evacuation, and explained the necessity of family caregiving to enable her palliative homecare. OUTCOMES: The sister decided to move back to their original residence in Odaka District and live with the patient again. The patient successfully spent her end-of-life period and died at home. LESSONS: Health care providers and community health workers may need to take a pro-active approach to communicating with family members to draw informal support to enable patients' end-of-life management according to their values and preferences. This is a lesson which may be applicable to broader healthcare se

Cellular structures with low densities of constituent polymer solids have many physical properties unparalleled in elastomeric materials. Elastomer foams (cellular elastomers) have been widely used in commercial products because of their excellent heat resistance and shock absorbance properties. The finite compressibility of elastomer foams is a key mechanical property that is in contrast with the incompressibility of non-cellular elastomers. The elastomer foams exhibit high reversible deformability like rubber, but unlike rubber, they undergo finite volume change before and after deformation. The values of Poisson's ratio (µ) of low-density elastomer foams are far less than 0.5 for large increase in volume under stretching. A large increase in volume significantly influences multi-axial stress because the volume change has a pronounced effect on dimensional variation under deformation. The mechanical properties of elastomer foams have been mainly investigated in uniaxial compression because of the close relation with their industrial use, but little research has been made to investigate the tensile stress-strain behavior in biaxial deformation. The present work investigate the stress-strain behavior in uniaxial and biaxial extension, and compression of the low-density elastomer foams with open- and closed-cell structures., Cellular structures with low densities of constituent polymer solids have many physical properties unparalleled in elastomeric materials. Elastomer foams (cellular elastomers) have been widely used in commercial products because of their excellent heat resistance and shock absorbance properties. The finite compressibility of elastomer foams is a key mechanical property that is in contrast with the incompressibility of non-cellular elastomers. The elastomer foams exhibit high reversible deformability like rubber, but unlike rubber, they undergo finite volume change before and after deformation. The values of Poisson's ratio (µ) of low-density elastomer foams are far less than 0.5 for large increase in volume under stretching. A large increase in volume significantly influences multi-axial stress because the volume change has a pronounced effect on dimensional variation under deformation. The mechanical properties of elastomer foams have been mainly investigated in uniaxial compression because of the close relation with their industrial use, but little research has been made to investigate the tensile stress-strain behavior in biaxial deformation. The present work investigate the stress-strain behavior in uniaxial and biaxial extension, and compression of the low-density elastomer foams with open- and closed-cell structures.

In order to improve the mechanical properties of silicone rubber, two-phase blends of silicone rubber and polyethylene were prepared by melt-mixing, and then the silicon rubber was crosslinked by using peroxide. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of silicone rubber were found to be increased without the decrease of the strain at break by blending linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The improvement of the mechanical properties is attributed to the strong adhesion between silicone rubber matrix and LLDPE domain due to the chemical reaction at the interface of the two-phase by peroxide crosslinking agent. Owing to the difference of the chemical reaction, the improvement of the mechanical properties was larger in the blend of the LLDPE comparing with that of the high density polyethylene (HDPE), though the mechanical properties of the neat LLDPE were lower than those of the neat HDPE., In order to improve the mechanical properties of silicone rubber, two-phase blends of silicone rubber and polyethylene were prepared by melt-mixing, and then the silicon rubber was crosslinked by using peroxide. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of silicone rubber were found to be increased without the decrease of the strain at break by blending linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The improvement of the mechanical properties is attributed to the strong adhesion between silicone rubber matrix and LLDPE domain due to the chemical reaction at the interface of the two-phase by peroxide crosslinking agent. Owing to the difference of the chemical reaction, the improvement of the mechanical properties was larger in the blend of the LLDPE comparing with that of the high density polyethylene (HDPE), though the mechanical properties of the neat LLDPE were lower than those of the neat HDPE.

The behaviour of two degrees of freedom gyroscopes subject to monofrequency vibration is investigated. Nonlinear and parametrical resonances are analyzed by using a method suitable for stability investigation of slightly nonlinear dynamical systems. Stability conditions are provided in terms of the physical parameters of the system., Anglais

Japan now has only a few operating metal mines, despite having superior technology and systems for developing small to medium-scale underground deposits. Its smelting business, which includes about 10% of world copper and zinc production, is in a survival stage. Possible measures for reversing the trends include consolidation between mining companies, establishment of a think-tank, training of human resources, development of small to medium-scale deposits around the world and the introduction of sulphide ore leaching., Japan now has only a few operating metal mines, despite having superior technology and systems for developing small to medium-scale underground deposits. Its smelting business, which includes about 10% of world copper and zinc production, is in a survival stage. Possible measures for reversing the trends include consolidation between mining companies, establishment of a think-tank, training of human resources, development of small to medium-scale deposits around the world and the introduction of sulphide ore leaching.

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, lying between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, each suffered a 50-75% decline in gross national product between 1991 and 1996. Mining dates back to 6000 BC and under the Soviet Union Azerbaijan produced iron from Dashkesan and aluminium from Zaginsky alunite, Georgia manganese from Chiatura and copper from Madneuli, and Armenia copper, molybdenum and zinc from Kajaram, Kapan and Akhtal. Rehabilitation of facilities and the introduction of modern technology will require huge investment. There are over 2 000 t of estimated gold resources whose exploration and development will greatly help in the restructuring of the mining industries. Other deposits with good potential include polymetallic and Cu deposits in Azerbaijan, a number of Cu and Pb-Zn deposits in Georgia and Cu-Mo and Cu-Au deposits in Armenia., Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, lying between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, each suffered a 50-75% decline in gross national product between 1991 and 1996. Mining dates back to 6000 BC and under the Soviet Union Azerbaijan produced iron from Dashkesan and aluminium from Zaginsky alunite, Georgia manganese from Chiatura and copper from Madneuli, and Armenia copper, molybdenum and zinc from Kajaram, Kapan and Akhtal. Rehabilitation of facilities and the introduction of modern technology will require huge investment. There are over 2 000 t of estimated gold resources whose exploration and development will greatly help in the restructuring of the mining industries. Other deposits with good potential include polymetallic and Cu deposits in Azerbaijan, a number of Cu and Pb-Zn deposits in Georgia and Cu-Mo and Cu-Au deposits in Armenia.

The global minerals industry is becoming increasingly polarised by the oligopolistic tendencies of multinationals and the control of resources by increasingly nationalist governments such as China. The influence of globalisation is having a major impact on the industry, especially in market-economy countries, and the World Bank has been working with Western companies to stabilise the investment climate in transitional and developing economies. The degree of mining maturity varies greatly between countries that have passed their peak, those equipped with a full set of technologies from exploration to smelting, those using foreign and domestic capital to acquire technologies and train engineers, and those with resource potential but an inadequate investment climate. The struggle for resources has caused a noticeable structural shift from simple polarisation to multiple polarisation, with the remarkable economic growth of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), Chinese strategies at home and abroad, resource nationalism of socialist governments in South America, and restructuring in former Soviet republics from resource liberalism towards a return to state control. As a result, Western majors will seek to maintain their hold on resource production by targeting acquisitions in Indochina, western Asia and the Middle East., The global minerals industry is becoming increasingly polarised by the oligopolistic tendencies of multinationals and the control of resources by increasingly nationalist governments such as China. The influence of globalisation is having a major impact on the industry, especially in market-economy countries, and the World Bank has been working with Western companies to stabilise the investment climate in transitional and developing economies. The degree of mining maturity varies greatly between countries that have passed their peak, those equipped with a full set of technologies from exploration to smelting, those using foreign and domestic capital to acquire technologies and train engineers, and those with resource potential but an inadequate investment climate. The struggle for resources has caused a noticeable structural shift from simple polarisation to multiple polarisation, with the remarkable economic growth of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), Chinese strategies at home and abroad, resource nationalism of socialist governments in South America, and restructuring in former Soviet republics from resource liberalism towards a return to state control. As a result, Western majors will seek to maintain their hold on resource production by targeting acquisitions in Indochina, western Asia and the Middle East.

The zinc industry in Asia is growing in parallel with economic development in the region, particularly in China and India. World production of concentrated Zn ore was about 12 000 000 t in 2008, with the USA, Oceania and Europe showing little change in output while production in Asia increased. Many of the mines in Asia are small to medium-sized with production not exceeding 100 000 tpa; the major mines include Jinding in China, Rampura Agucha in India and Zyryarnovsky in Kazakhstan. Zn smelters are mainly located in China, Japan, South Korea, India and Kazakhstan, with the largest being at Onsan in South Korea where production reached 460 000 t in 2008. About 4 700 000 t of ore was produced in the region in 2008, and potential resources include polymetallic sulphide and skarn deposits in north-eastern Mongolia. Other exploration activities are around currently operating small mines in Laos and Vietnam and deposits in the eastern part of Kazakhstan and in Azerbaijan and Armenia. Ore and Zn metal production is expected to increase to 2020 as a result of increasing demand from infrastructure development and automobile production in China and India., The zinc industry in Asia is growing in parallel with economic development in the region, particularly in China and India. World production of concentrated Zn ore was about 12 000 000 t in 2008, with the USA, Oceania and Europe showing little change in output while production in Asia increased. Many of the mines in Asia are small to medium-sized with production not exceeding 100 000 tpa; the major mines include Jinding in China, Rampura Agucha in India and Zyryarnovsky in Kazakhstan. Zn smelters are mainly located in China, Japan, South Korea, India and Kazakhstan, with the largest being at Onsan in South Korea where production reached 460 000 t in 2008. About 4 700 000 t of ore was produced in the region in 2008, and potential resources include polymetallic sulphide and skarn deposits in north-eastern Mongolia. Other exploration activities are around currently operating small mines in Laos and Vietnam and deposits in the eastern part of Kazakhstan and in Azerbaijan and Armenia. Ore and Zn metal production is expected to increase to 2020 as a result of increasing demand from infrastructure development and automobile production in China and India.

Two papers on marine mining and a profile of a Canadian marine-mining company are presented. Sea change, by Nishikawa Y., p.17-18, discusses whether there will be a shift away from land- to sea-based resources including hydrothermal deposits, cobalt-rich crusts, manganese nodules, methane hydrate and clay- or mud-based rare-earth metals. Although marine mining is being conducted on an experimental basis, with countries such as Japan, China and South Korea promoting research into seafloor resources, a number of issues for the sector still need to be addressed, particularly the accumulation of basic data (e.g. living organisms, seafloor currents and salt-water chemistry) for future development and the development of marine survey equipment. A taste of things to come, by Green R., p.19-22, describes the Nautilus-Papua New Guinea dispute as well as the Cook Islands Investment Corporation's submission of an application to the International Seabed Authority to explore polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone. If successful, this would be the fourth Pacific Island to have sponsored an International Seabed Authority contract. A profile is provided, on p.20-21, of Nautilus mining company whose Solwara 1 project is to explore hydrothermal gold/silver/copper deposits in the Bismarck Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea., Two papers on marine mining and a profile of a Canadian marine-mining company are presented. Sea change, by Nishikawa Y., p.17-18, discusses whether there will be a shift away from land- to sea-based resources including hydrothermal deposits, cobalt-rich crusts, manganese nodules, methane hydrate and clay- or mud-based rare-earth metals. Although marine mining is being conducted on an experimental basis, with countries such as Japan, China and South Korea promoting research into seafloor resources, a number of issues for the sector still need to be addressed, particularly the accumulation of basic data (e.g. living organisms, seafloor currents and salt-water chemistry) for future development and the development of marine survey equipment. A taste of things to come, by Green R., p.19-22, describes the Nautilus-Papua New Guinea dispute as well as the Cook Islands Investment Corporation's submission of an application to the International Seabed Authority to explore polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone. If successful, this would be the fourth Pacific Island to have sponsored an International Seabed Authority contract. A profile is provided, on p.20-21, of Nautilus mining company whose Solwara 1 project is to explore hydrothermal gold/silver/copper deposits in the Bismarck Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

Global demand for Cu has been growing at an annual rate of 2%-5% and reached 20 000 000 t in 2011. Consumption has tended to decrease in the USA, Japan and the European Union but has increased significantly in China for building infrastructure, and the country now accounts for about 30% of Cu demand. As a result, there has been an emphasis on large-scale Cu resource development in countries such as Chile and Peru where several development projects are in the planning phase, and the Oyu Tolgoi Cu-Au mine in Mongolia is due to start production in 2013. Cu wire accounts for more than 50% of overall Cu demand but it is suggested that the Cu age is now at its peak. The shift away from centralised electricity production to local generation and consumption and the expansion of wireless power transmission is reducing the need for long-distance power transmission lines and it is predicted that demand for Cu will fall., Global demand for Cu has been growing at an annual rate of 2%-5% and reached 20 000 000 t in 2011. Consumption has tended to decrease in the USA, Japan and the European Union but has increased significantly in China for building infrastructure, and the country now accounts for about 30% of Cu demand. As a result, there has been an emphasis on large-scale Cu resource development in countries such as Chile and Peru where several development projects are in the planning phase, and the Oyu Tolgoi Cu-Au mine in Mongolia is due to start production in 2013. Cu wire accounts for more than 50% of overall Cu demand but it is suggested that the Cu age is now at its peak. The shift away from centralised electricity production to local generation and consumption and the expansion of wireless power transmission is reducing the need for long-distance power transmission lines and it is predicted that demand for Cu will fall.

Development of marine mineral resources continues around the world, with exploration for polymetalllic manganese nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific, V- and Ti-containing iron sands as well as ilmeniite, gold and silver off New Zealand's North Island, Namibian diamond and phosphate deposits, and rare earths in clay sediments on the bed of the Pacific Ocean. However, demand for methane hydrate has receded with the advent of land-based shale gas resources while construction of seabed mining equipment for the Solwara One copper-gold project, in the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea (PNG), has been cancelled in the wake of a political dispute between Nautilus Minerals and the PNG government. Nautilus holds licences for Cu and Au massive sulphide-hosted deposits in Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as for Ni and Cu pollymetallic nodule deposits in the central Pacific, and has pioneered the development of a seafloor production system based on well-tested and proven technologies used by the offshore hydrocarbon, telecommunication and dredging industries. The system comprises seafloor rock-cutting and collecting vehicles, a riser and lift system and a production support vessel., Development of marine mineral resources continues around the world, with exploration for polymetalllic manganese nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific, V- and Ti-containing iron sands as well as ilmeniite, gold and silver off New Zealand's North Island, Namibian diamond and phosphate deposits, and rare earths in clay sediments on the bed of the Pacific Ocean. However, demand for methane hydrate has receded with the advent of land-based shale gas resources while construction of seabed mining equipment for the Solwara One copper-gold project, in the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea (PNG), has been cancelled in the wake of a political dispute between Nautilus Minerals and the PNG government. Nautilus holds licences for Cu and Au massive sulphide-hosted deposits in Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as for Ni and Cu pollymetallic nodule deposits in the central Pacific, and has pioneered the development of a seafloor production system based on well-tested and proven technologies used by the offshore hydrocarbon, telecommunication and dredging industries. The system comprises seafloor rock-cutting and collecting vehicles, a riser and lift system and a production support vessel.

Issues are discussed relating to the secure and stable supply of raw materials for the processing industries in Japan. The activity of Japanese mining and smelting companies in acquiring overseas resources has stagnated, while trading companies are now more active and have invested in more than 50 mines and mining companies in southeast Asia, Australia, North and South America and Africa. Examples include the Roy Hill iron ore project in Australia, the Caserones Cu project in Chile, the Ambatovy Ni project in Madagascar, the Rasp Zn project in Australia and the Don Pao rear earths mine in Vietnam. To date most Japanese investment has been as a minority shareholder but majority shareholding is becoming more common. The trading companies are also becoming involved in mine management through operations such as the San Cristobal Zn mine in Bolivia, the Panasqueira W mine in Portugal, the Pogo Au mine in Alaska, the Pallca Zn mine in Peru and the Atacama Cu mine in Chile. Trading company exploration activities have become very active since the earthquake in March 2011 and have broadened to include North, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Target minerals include iron ore, coal and base and rare earth metals. Other initiatives have included the development of recycling activities such as the recovery of precious and rare metals from mobile phones, and the use of alternative materials, such as the substitution of Dy in the production of magnets., Issues are discussed relating to the secure and stable supply of raw materials for the processing industries in Japan. The activity of Japanese mining and smelting companies in acquiring overseas resources has stagnated, while trading companies are now more active and have invested in more than 50 mines and mining companies in southeast Asia, Australia, North and South America and Africa. Examples include the Roy Hill iron ore project in Australia, the Caserones Cu project in Chile, the Ambatovy Ni project in Madagascar, the Rasp Zn project in Australia and the Don Pao rear earths mine in Vietnam. To date most Japanese investment has been as a minority shareholder but majority shareholding is becoming more common. The trading companies are also becoming involved in mine management through operations such as the San Cristobal Zn mine in Bolivia, the Panasqueira W mine in Portugal, the Pogo Au mine in Alaska, the Pallca Zn mine in Peru and the Atacama Cu mine in Chile. Trading company exploration activities have become very active since the earthquake in March 2011 and have broadened to include North, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Target minerals include iron ore, coal and base and rare earth metals. Other initiatives have included the development of recycling activities such as the recovery of precious and rare metals from mobile phones, and the use of alternative materials, such as the substitution of Dy in the production of magnets.

The system uses compressed air to transport reclamation materials to galleries in disused mines at more than twice the density required by conventional systems, which add significant amounts of water to reduce viscosity. Mixing the materials with air decreases friction within the pipeline and allows a higher density to be conveyed., The system uses compressed air to transport reclamation materials to galleries in disused mines at more than twice the density required by conventional systems, which add significant amounts of water to reduce viscosity. Mixing the materials with air decreases friction within the pipeline and allows a higher density to be conveyed.