Outline of the Project

Project Name

Project on Mineral Resources Development Plan in Bhutan

Country

Bhutan

Project Site

Bhutan

Date of R/D signed

March 28, 2019

Term of Cooperation

Oct. 21, 2019 to Feb. 21, 2021

Implementing Organizations

Department of Geology & Mines, Ministry of Economic Affairs

Background

Bhutan, which is located in the Himalayas and has a complicated geological structure, has difficulty of systematic development of existing mining resources due to the lack of detailed basic geographical information in most of the country.

The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB)has positioned Hydropower, Agriculture, Tourism, Cottage and small industries (CSIs) and Mining as "Five Economic Jewels," in the economic policy of former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who inaugurated in July 2013. In this policy, it is recognized that analysis/evaluatione, appropriate planning, capacity building, and effective management of resources are necessary for mining sector.

On the other hand, there are problems such as poor mining, uneconomical operation, and less consideration for the environment due to the lack of capacity and experience of relevant government agencies, and inefficiency of existing mining-related regulations.

Against this background, RGoB requested technical assistance from the Government of Japan and this project started in October 2019 in order to formulate a Mineral Resources Development plan summarizing issues related to resource distribution and development.

Overall Goal

Mineral resources are developed based on the proper development plan.

Project Purpose

Mineral Resources Development Plan is formulated and human capacity in Bhutan is enhanced.

Outputs

• Mineral Resources Development Plan is formulated.
• Government officers are well trained for establishing Mineral Resources Development Plan.
• Existence of Mineral Resources in Bhutan is identifies, and possibilities for developing the resources are analyzed.

Project Activities

• Review supply, demand and trend in the mining sector in the world;
• Review previous survey reports, related laws and regulations in the mining sector, and also the economy/industry conditions and technology in Bhutan and make relavant recommendations;
• Analyze and strategize the mineral resources development, while considering the mining and metal market trends in the world;
• Formulate an optimal development plan for the mineral resources in Bhutan;
• Conduct Strategic Environmental Assessment;
• Lecture by experts regarding mining development (exploration, development and social environment)
• Transfer technology/knowledge by closely associating staff of DGM with JICA experts;and
• Conduct seminars for formulating the Mineral Resources Development Plan.

Inputs

Japanese side

• Dispatch of Experts
• Capacity Development
• Necessary expenses for the implementation of the Project

Bhutanese side

• Services of the Bhutanese side's counterpart personnel
• Travel permission for members of the JICA Study Team for official travels within Bhutan
• Suitable office space with ordinary office equipment;
• Supply or replacement of equipment, instruments, vehicles, tools and any other materials necessary for the implementation of the Project;
• Information as well as support i obtaining medical services;
• Credentials or identification cards;
• Available data (including maps and photographs) and information (laws and regulations) related to the Project;
• Running expenses necessary for the implementation of the Project; and
• Necessary supports to the JICA experts for the remittance as well as utilization of the funds introduced into Bhutan from Japan in connection with the implementation of the Project.