The major focus for the 33rd annual conference of the Underwater Mining Institute is on the international regime of Pioneer Investors who have forged New Horizons for Marine Mining. These investors-- Republic of Korea, India, France, Japan, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Bulgaria, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Slovak Republic-are registered with the International Seabed Authority to explore for commercially viable mineral deposits in the deep seabed regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Though constrained by difficult international precedents, daunting technical challenges, and dire economic forecasts, these groups continue making progress in securing the rights and technologies for the recovery of trillions of tons of deep seabed mineral resources.

Can exploitation of the deep-sea mineral deposits provide a more environmentally friendly extraction of base metals than existing on-land mines? How extensive are these deposits and are they in the reach of existing technology? Will these deposits provide a more sustainable and consistent supply of base metals for the future?

The UMI provides perhaps the most appropriate setting to discuss these and other related issues of timely interest. The Institute has an established history of fostering multidisciplinary debate on complex topics related to seabed development. Also, the Institute's primary sponsor, the International Marine Minerals Society, owes no allegiance to any particular commercial, academic, or government body.

In addition to this primary focus, the UMI will also include timely presentations on several other aspects of marine minerals development and study. This year, unpublished scientific and engineering advances and environmental impact analysis related to marine minerals will also be presented and discussed within the informal, comfortable structure that is the essence of the UMI.

The Institute

The UMI has drawn on the expertise of researchers, industry professionals, and environmental, resource, and policy managers worldwide to provide the latest information relevant to seabed minerals. Since the first UMI was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1970, the Institute's primary goal has remained constant--to encourage prudent and responsible development of marine mineral resources through technical presentations in venues that promote informal and free exchange.

The theme varies each year, as does the location and host. Proceedings are not published nor are recordings of the sessions permitted without prior permission from the contributors. Presentations are scrutinized to ensure that the content and interactions of the UMI remain stimulating and fresh. International participation (to date by more than 25 nations) is promoted and supported. This unique and multidisciplinary approach is attributed to the Institute's founder, the late J. Robert "Robby" Moore, whose vision and contributions have laid the groundwork for the continued success of the UMI far beyond the borders of Wisconsin.

The Venue

Jeju Island--the meeting site of the UMI-- is the most beautiful island in Korea. Also known as the Island of the Gods, this is a place of fantasy, mystery, rejuvenation, and enlightenment. It offers fascinating geological features and is surrounded by modern conveniences and graced by a heritage of cultural, artistic, intellectual, and nationalistic pride. The UMI begins with an evening registration reception followed by two days of technical sessions, an evening banquet, and a field tour. The banquet will feature Ambassador Satya Nandan, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jeju. The final event is a geotechnical and cultural tour of several of the most fascinating geological and cultural sites in Korea.

The Host and Program Chair

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, Korea are our hosts this year, extending program leadership and gracious hospitality to the UMI. Dr. Charles L. Morgan, a former President of IMMS and longtime worker in the area of seabed minerals, has served as UMI Program Chair since 1994.

The Sponsoring Organizations

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Korea are our key sponsors this year. Through their generosity, the venue of the UMI will be of the highest standard. Additional technical and administrative support of the UMI are provided by the International Marine Minerals Society and the Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory, University of Hawai'i.

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) was established in 1973 and has successfully achieved for Korea high standards in ocean science and technology. It receives continued support of the government and public sectors in carrying out studies in a wide range of strategically important marine topics. In particular, the Marine Resources Laboratory (Deepsea Resources Research Center) focuses on the exploration and assessment of deep seabed mineral resources and development of exploration technology and on oceanographic, geologic, and geophysical researches of the deep sea area, including environmental studies for deep seabed mining and the development of marine living resources just to name a few. KORDI envisions the ocean frontier to be a sustainable and bountiful resource for the citizens of Korea and beyond.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF) represents the integration of different ministries and administrations into one progressive government organization whose mission is to develop Korea as a premier maritime nation. With new visions and strategies, MOMAF aims to contribute to the common prosperity of humankind through its maritime policies by nurturing cooperative relations among a multinational community, as well as to harmonize both the development and preservation of its marine environment and resources.

The International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) is a professional society whose members share a common interest in various aspects of marine minerals. Founded in 1987, the IMMS now includes a worldwide membership of individuals from industry, government agencies, and academic institutions. The primary objective of the IMMS are: (1) to promote and improve the understanding of marine mineral deposits within the province of the global ocean; (2) to aid in the interchange of information among members through networking and formal symposia; (3) to encourage the prudent development of marine mineral resources, including concern for the environment; (4) to encourage research in all aspects of marine minerals development.

IMMS is a co-sponsor of the Underwater Mining Institute (UMI) and holds its annual meetings in conjunction with the UMI. Members of the IMMS receive a bi-annual newsletter, which includes summaries of the latest developments in the field of marine minerals. On occasion the IMMS presents the Moore Medal award to an individual who has contributed notably to the goals and initiatives of the Society in the areas of research, development and management. The Moore Medal is named in honor of the late Professor J. Robert "Robby" Moore. Professor Moore spent a long and distinguished career dedicated to the goals that are now followed by IMMS. He founded the UMI in 1970, and with the collaboration of several colleagues, initiated IMMS in 1987.

New and continued membership to the Society is encouraged. Also, contributions to Soundings, the bi-annual newsletter, are welcome at any time. Please keep us informed of your interests and your addresses so that future announcements on IMMS and the UMI can reach you.

The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) at the University of Hawai'i was established to study deepwater marine processes in the Pacific Ocean. Charged with manned submersibles and an ROV, HURL research projects covers the geology and biology of emerging and subsiding islands, marine product and fishery assessments, processes of submarine mineral accumulations on seamounts, volcanoes, and islands, and deep-sea marine ecosystems influenced by natural and man-induced processes.