The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) organized the ASEAN-JAPAN Mining Investment Seminar and Site Visit held last February 19-20, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
The 2-day event aims to provide up-to-date information regarding ASEAN Member States’ legislations, regulations, including tax system and incentives, and promising projects from upstream to midstream minerals to Japanese private companies that will lead to the promotion of mineral resources investment in ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN region.
The seminar started when Mr. Yuzo YAMAGUCHI, Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)-Mineral Resources Division and Mr. Ichiro TAKAHARA, Chairman and CEO of JOGMEC, delivered their opening remarks
Ms. Diory G. Carr from the Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau was among the presenters from the ASEAN-member delegates. She represented the Philippines and discussed “Unearthing Opportunities: The Philippine Mining Industry’s Investment Primer.” The presentation focused on key investment highlights in the Philippines, a resource-rich country with significant untapped mineral resources, making it a perfect destination for investors seeking to capitalize on the global demand for mineral commodities.
Other delegates who also presented include representatives from: Ministry of Energy and Mines, Department of Mining Management of Lao PDR; Ministry of Development, Investment and Legal Division of Brunei Darussalam; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Vietnam; Geological Survey of Viet Nam; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Minerals and Geoscience Division of Malaysia; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of Myanmar; Ministry of Industry, Department of Primary Industries and Mines of Thailand; Ministry of Mines and Energy, Department of Geology and Minerals of Cambodia; and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Directorate General of Mineral and Coal of Indonesia.
Mr. Hiroshi Kubota, Executive Vice President, Metals Unit of JOGMEC then delivered his closing remarks. Day 1 concluded with a reception and networking led by JOGMEC President, Mr. Michio Daito.
For Day 2, the delegates visited the Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC) and Kashima Steel Works at Kashima City. NSC, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest steel producer in Japan and ranks fourth globally in crude steel production with an output of approximately 44.4 million tons in Year 2022.
Meanwhile, Kashima Steelworks, one of NSC’s core facilities with approximately 10M㎡, is located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The steelworks prioritize sustainability and operate under ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems. They are a cornerstone of Nippon Steel's global operations, supporting industries worldwide with their high-quality steel products and sustainable practices.
This two-day event was made possible through the ASEAN-JAPAN Friendship and Cooperation, with the guidance of the ASEAN Plus Three Minerals Cooperation Work Plan (ASOMM+3 Work Plan).
ASEAN-JAPAN Delegates with the JOGMEC Officials at the Mining Investment Seminar
Ms. Diory Carr of MGB-MEIPD discussing the “Unearthing Opportunities: The Philippine Mining Industry’s Investment Primer”.
Delegates of the ASEAN-JAPAN at NIPPON STEEL in Kashima City
By: Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division