The Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a project on “Mineral Resources Development Plan in Bhutan” yesterday.
Through the project, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) will develop a mineral resources development plan and enhance human capacity.
The project was signed between GNHC Secretary Thinley Namgyel and JICA’s Chief Representative Kozo Watanabe.
The MoEA has requested the government of Japan to assists in the development of a master plan on mining and mineral deposit. This is the Japanese government’s first assistance in the mining sector.
“JICA experts will support in technical part including the international training. We will share the Japanese experience which can be utilized in programming and planning of the mining industry,” Kozo Watanabe, the JICA’s Chief Representative, said.
The nine months project will be implemented by the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) under MoEA.
“We are looking to enhance our HR development programme. Also, we are expecting that this project will go a long way in terms of bringing about socio-economic development through the contribution made by the mining sector,” Phuntsho Tobgay, the Director General of DGM, said.
According to a news release, the outcome of the project is expected to help in the implementation of the Mines and Minerals Bill of Bhutan, which would help to achieve the goal of sustainable and responsible mining in the country.
