May 08, 2009

NEWS RELEASE ｗｗｗ.jogmec.go.jp
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
Division in Charge：Exploration Division2, Metals Exploration Dept.
Hajime IKEDA and Ken MAGUSA FAX:+81-44-520-8740
PR in Charge：Public Relations Division, Administration Dept.
Kazuhiko UEMATSU FAX:+81-44-520-8710

JOGMEC Inks First Joint Exploration Agreement in Laos
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC, President Hirobumi Kawano) is
pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint agreement (JV surveys) with Amanta Resources
Ltd., a Canadian company, to explore for copper in Louang Namtha area in Lao People’s
Democratic Republic.
The Louang Namtha area is located in the province of Louang Namtha in northern Laos, about
380km north of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The concession covering an area of 200sq.km
belongs to the zone hosting polymetallic deposits that are rich in copper, molybdenum and othermetals. Among such deposits in the zone, the exploration area is the most potential for theexistence of copper. Through the exploration that spans 3 years beginning this April, JOGMEC will
acquire an option to earn a 51% JV interest by expending a total of 3 million US dollars to theproject.
This joint exploration with Amanta Resources Ltd. marks the first-ever joint project JOGMEC
has conducted in Laos where Japanese companies become increasingly interested as the country
is highly potential for its untapped mineral resources. Confirmation of encouraging results obtained
through this joint exploration will lead to a transfer of the interest to a Japanese company, ensuring
a stable supply of mineral resources to Japan.
Outline of Project
1. Mining Potential in LaosIn recent years, Laos has been receiving growing attention for its potential of mineralresources. The country holds mines such as the Sepong gold mine (60 million t. @ 1.7g/t Au,6.4 g/t Ag), the Khanong copper mine (68 million t. @ 2.3% Cu, 0.2 g/t Au, 12 g/t Ag) and thePhu Kham copper gold mine (200 million t. @ 0.65% Cu, 0.25 g/t Au, 0.25 g/t Ag). These mines
have all been operated by Australian companies with the first one developed in 2002.
2. Grant of Mining Rights in Laos
The Lao government has suspended issuing new licenses (moratorium) since January,2007 because of rising number of mining rights holders who have exploration rights merely forthe purpose of reselling without actually conducting specified exploration activities and whoconduct exploration activities without any regard to the impact on the environment orcommunities. Moreover, the government has canceled the licenses held by license holders who
have not carried out proper mining activities while it has taken measures to grant the new mining
rights to qualified companies.
3. Exploration Right in Louang Namtha area
The exploration right in the Louang Namtha area is the first among all exploration rights theLao government has granted to foreign companies since the moratorium.
Amanta Resources Ltd. obtained the 5-year exploration right issued by the Lao government inJune, 2008 will conduct a feasibility study on mine development. JOGMEC will join this survey
to study the potential of copper and/or polymetallic deposits occurring in the area.

Louang Namtha area

Location of Louang Namtha area