Japanese mining company Nittetsu Mining has expressed strong interest in investing in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector.
This follows a high-level meeting in Tokyo with PNG’s Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru.
The meeting saw general manager of Nittetsu’s overseas mineral resources business department Shinichiro Mita confirm the company’s intention to explore mid-sized copper and limestone operations in PNG.
Nittetsu Mining is a diversified Japanese company engaged in the exploration, mining, processing, and distribution of both metallic and non-metallic minerals, including copper and limestone.
The company operates a copper mine in Chile and has long been a purchaser of copper concentrate from PNG’s Ok Tedi mine.
“I will link them with the Mineral Resources Authority and Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited so they can work with them to pursue their interest to be a mid-sized copper and limestone mining company in PNG,” Maru said.
“We are looking for more Japanese investors to invest in PNG and we will go all out to support them.”
Minister Maru also extended an invitation for Nittetsu Mining to attend the second PNG Special Economic Zone Summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Port Moresby.
The event will showcase key investment opportunities and government support for infrastructure, energy, and resources projects.
The company’s experience in international mining operations and downstream processing, along with its historical engagement with PNG through copper concentrate imports, positions it as a strategic prospect for partnership.
Maru’s visit signals a renewed push to expand PNG’s mining partnerships and strengthen its position in the regional minerals supply chain.
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