JOGMEC Starts Joint Exploration for Copper in Laos

Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), an incorporated administrative agency to assist upstream activities for mineral resources and energies, announced on Friday the agency concluded a joint venture contract with Amanta Resources of Canada for a copper exploration project in Louang Namtha, Laos. This is JOGMEC’s first exploration work in Laos.

The exploration area is about 380 kilometers north from Vientiane. In the area of approximately 200 square meters, copper and molybdenum deposits are expected to be discovered. The joint exploration is scheduled from April 2009 to March 2012. JOGMEC will acquire 51% equity for the project with US$ 3 million investment for the exploration.