METI Minister Nishimura Signs a Joint Statement with Hon. Paul C. Minister Kabuswe, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development of the Republic of Zambia, and Holds a Roundtable Meeting on Investment in the Mining Sector Between Japan and Zambia

1. Courtesy call on President Hichilema

Minister Nishimura and President Hichilema exchanged opinions on further developing cooperation in the area of mineral resources, as well as the economic development of Zambia and the stable securing of mining resources by Japan.

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2. Signing of the Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Mining Sector

In this joint statement, both parties confirmed the importance of the following four principles for expanding cooperation in the mining sector in the future:

1. Securing critical minerals that are essential for the energy transition, while addressing risks in terms of economic security attributable to monopolization and a lack of diversity;
2. Creating responsible and resilient supply chains for critical minerals by applying higher environment, social and governance (ESG) standards and by committing to open, transparent and rule- and market-based trade in critical minerals, as well as by opposing market-distorting measures and monopolistic policies on critical minerals;
3. Developing concrete and mutually beneficial projects through a step-by-step approach, including information sharing, mutual visits and technical cooperation; and
4. Cooperating not only in the development of mining projects but also in the development of human resources, infrastructure, and supply chains necessary for mining projects.

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Further, JOGMEC and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Based on the Memorandum, Minister Nishimura made a proposal on the following three points regarding the enhancement of cooperation in the area of nickel, cobalt, and copper exploration, and both parties reached an agreement:

1. Conducting satellite remote sensing across the territory of Zambia by using HISUI, a cutting-edge high-performance satellite sensor developed by Japan;
2. Implementing technology transfer on the geological survey and environmental monitoring utilizing satellite imagery; and
3. Doubling the area covered by the geological survey jointly implemented by JOGMEC and the Geological Survey Department of Zambia.

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3. Holding of a roundtable meeting on investment in the mining sector between Japan and Zambia

On the same day, Minister Nishimura, together with Minister Kabuswe, participated in a roundtable meeting on investment in the mining sector between Japan and Zambia, in order to promote investment from Japanese companies in Zambia’s mining sector. Honest opinions were exchanged between the executives of eleven Japanese companies that participated in the meeting and the government of Zambia, on expectations and challenges regarding the investment environment in Zambia.

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Related Material

• JOINT STATEMENT ON COOPERATION IN THE MINING SECTOR BETWEEN THE MINISTER OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF JAPAN AND THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA(PDF:65KB)

Division in Charge

Mineral and Natural Resources Division, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy