JOGMEC to Start Pt Exploration in Botswana

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) concluded an agreement with Discovery Metals, an exploration company in Australia, for platinum and nickel cooperative exploration in Dikoloti, Botswana, announced on Wednesday. When the new deposit is discovered, Japanese company firstly acquires platinum mining rights. That agreement is one of the fruits from effort by Japanese government, which tried to develop closer relationship with mineral rich African countries.

JOGMEC pays 3 million Australian dollars or about 235 million yen for exploration cost to Discovery Metals in 3 years and acquires 60% of the interest. The deposit with 612 square kilometers in Dikoloti, which is eastern part of Botswana. About four millions tonnes of reserves are identified and the deposit indicates more than 10 of potential mining areas.