The Northern Territory Government has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Japanese energy giant Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).
The aim of the MoUs is to strengthen economic and strategic trade ties between the Northern Territory Government and Japan, underscoring $7.7 billion worth of goods exported from the territory to Japan in 2022-23.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler says by strengthening the Northern Territory’s collaboration with key trading partners like Japan, the government is bolstering the territory’s emerging critical minerals sector and creating more jobs.
The first MoU, signed by Lawler and JOGMEC Executive Vice President Hiroyuki Mori, establishes a framework for cooperation in various energy sectors including natural gas, carbon capture, alongside storage and hydrogen production.
The second MoU, signed by Minister for Mining Mark Monaghan and Executive Vice President Hiroshi Kubota, focuses on greater collaboration with critical mineral supply chains.
Monaghan says the agreement with JOGMEC enhances the government’s capacity to develop resources responsibly and efficiently.
“The Northern Territory has a strong pipeline of emerging mining projects and is well positioned to be a reliable partner to Japan long into the future,” he says.
The NT Government says these MoUs show the strategic importance the Northern Territory will play in the transition to renewables and critical minerals supply chains domestically and internationally. The sector is currently worth $4.38 billion and employs more than 5,300 locals.
JOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative institution created in 2004, focused on oil, gas, and metals.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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