Project News

JICA is implementing a technical cooperation " Project on Mineral Resources Development Plan in Bhutan (October 2019 - February 2021)" with the aim of contributing to effective and efficient mineral resource development in Bhutan while building capacity of the staff of Department of Geology & Mines (DGM), Ministry of Economic Affairs. This project will develop the Mineral Resources Development Plan (MRDP) that analyzes the development potential of mining resources together with DGM.

The 3rd Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), which regularly confirms the progress of the project and discusses the necessity of modification of planned activities with DGM, was held on 14th October 2020

This JCC was online meeting, which connects Bhutan and Japan, as well as the stakeholder meeting on the other day. DGM, JICA HQ, JICA Bhutan Office, and stakeholders such as the National Environment Commission Secretariat, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and National Land Commission Secretariat attended this meeting, and opinions were exchanged on considerations in the final stage of the MRDP and further prospective cooperation.

The possibilities and challenges of metallic mineral resources and industrial raw material resources were reported, and it was suggested that these achievements should be shared within the government. In addition, the participants identified the necessity of further discussion about prospective cooperation in order to develop human resources and mining industry focusing on the results of MRDP.

Opening remarks by Director General, DGM

Opening remarks by Chief Representative, JICA Bhutan Office

Discussion on MRDP