Geotechnology Department

This department carries out fundamental research relating to the following fields of interest: development of mineral resources in the continental and oceanic crust, development of geothermal energy resources and methan hydrate, utilization of underground space, and sequestering CO₂ in Ocean. Mineral, energy, and space resources often occur in severe environments, and the utilization of these resources hinges upon the development of new technologies. For example, in the earth's crust there exist resources of heat and pressure. Development of technologies to make use of these resources, in an environmentally responsible way, is important for the future.

Geomechanics Division

This division investigates technology associated with underground mining and utilization of deep underground space. The research is focused on developing a better understanding of rock mechanics.
Research activities of this division include:

• Evaluation of rock, rock mass, and soil properties.
• Precise measurement, analysis and evaluation of fractured and discontinued rock mass.
• Flow characteristic of coalbed methane.
• Roof support and control technology for underground spaces.

Ocean Mechanics Division

This division carries out research related to the environmentally responsible exploitation of mineral and energy resources in the marine environment. Basic research is also conducted on sequestering CO₂ in Ocean.
Current research includes:

• Properties of multi-phase fluid flow.
• Formation and dissolution of methan hydrate.
• Ocean Sequestering of CO₂.
• Development of marine mineral deposits.

Geo-Energy Division

This division conducts research and development related to the development of energy resources, especially energy derived from hot dry rock. The division also carries out fundamental research on methods of heat extraction from magma or super high temperature rock mass.
Current research projects include:

• Measurement of in-situ stress in deep rock mass.
• Hydraulic fracturing and heat extraction technology for hot dry rock.
• Development of a downhole coaxial heat exchanger.

Mining System Engineering Division

This division conducts research and development related to machinery and mining systems that may be utilized in mining and other geotechnology industries.
Current research activities include:

• Geothermal well drilling technology.
• Development of MWD (Measurement While Drilling) techniques for evaluation of downhole conditions.
• Autonomous rock excavation and transportation system.

List Page

Global Warming Control Department

Thermal Energy and Combustion Engineering Department

Atmospheric Environmental Protection Department

Hydrospheric Environmental Protection Department

Environmental Assessment Department

Energy Resources Department

Materials Processing Department

Geotechnology Department

Safety Engineering Department

Coal Mine Safety Research Center, Hokkaido

Coal Mine Safety Research Center, Kyushu