Mr Yoritoshi Ochi MD of Sumitomo Metal Mining said that Japan's government would support the company to develop the nickel mining project in Solomon Island, Isabel by providing 30% of investment.

Also, he indicated that Ms Makiko Kikuta, Japan's Vice Foreign Minister said during her trip to Honiara that Japanese government would support SMM, thanking for the Solomon Island's miming license for SMM.

SMM has seen the optimistic outlook for nickel mining, which will triple the economy of Solomon Islands.

Also, the company has signed the Mines and Minerals Board Surface Access Agreement with 16 land owning groups in Takata and San Jorge and is still waiting for a response from the Minister of Mine and Energy.

(Sourced from YIEH.corp)