Japan’s Economic, Trade, and Industry Minister, Yasutoshi Nishimura, is due to arrive in the country on Monday, with agreements related to rare earth metals and green hydrogen expected to be signed.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, which was selected as the preferred bidder for Namibia’s first green hydrogen project in November 2021, is expected to sign an agreement with the Japanese energy firm, ITOCHU Corporation.
The state-owned mining company, Epangelo Mining Company, is also expected to enter into an agreement with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).Â
JOGMEC is already partnering with Namibia Critical Metals Inc. in the development of the Lofdal heavy rare earth project in Namibia. The project aims to create a long-term, sustainable supply of heavy rare earths to Japan.
The Lofdal deposit is reported to have the potential for significant production of dysprosium and terbium, two of the most valuable heavy rare earth elements. The project targets becoming a long-term, sustainable supplier of heavy rare earths.
The Japanese minister’s visit comes after Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo visited Japan in April for meetings with Nishimura to discuss the importance of Namibia’s mineral resources and hydrogen. They expressed the desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in the mining and other fields.
Nishimura’s visit to Namibia is part of an African tour, which includes visits to Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Madagascar.
