NSSMC Participated in the First Japan-Mozambique Policy Dialogue

Oct. 31, 2012


Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation

NSSMC Participated in the First Japan-Mozambique Policy Dialogue
– Expressed Commitment to Contribute to Mozambique’s Development
through Coking Coal Development –

Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) Member of the Board and Senior Advisor Akio Mimura made a presentation on “The Present Status of Coal Development Business” during the first Japan-Mozambique Policy Dialogue between the two countries in public and private sectors (*1) that was held in Maputo, the Republic of Mozambique, on October 29th, 2012.

Mr. Mimura introduced the history of Japan’s steel industry in developing raw materials in cooperation with natural resource countries in a long-term perspective and its reliably stable purchasing of those resources. At the same time, he expressed his strong wish for the early development of high quality coking coal in Mozambique, which has high potential as an emerging large-scale supplier. He also made a commitment to early development of the Revuboe coking coal project (*2), in which the NSSMC Group participates, and to contributing to economic development in Mozambique. 

NSSMC desires to continue to build a strong relationship between Japan and Mozambique in the natural resource area, with cooperation and guidance from both governments and concerned institutions.

(*1) First Japan-Mozambique Policy Dialogue between the two countries in public and private sectors
On February 16, 2012, Mr. Yukio Edano, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI), and Ms. Esperanca Bias, Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for promoting cooperation in natural resources development and strengthening relationships as strategic partners. Both parties therein agreed to hold mineral resource policy dialogue sessions between the two countries in public and private sectors on a regular basis.

(*2) Revuboe coking coal project
The project is to produce high quality coking coal in the Tete Province of Mozambique. Annual output is planned to be 5 million tons, while the estimated reserve is 1,070 million tons. NSSMC and Nippon Steel Trading Co., Ltd. hold a 33.3% interest. The project is currently applying to acquire mining rights.


Senior Advisor Akio Mimura making presentation during the Policy Dialogue