Sumitomo Group’s mining subsidiary Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd has acquired rights via tender, to explore for nickel in three mining districts in the Solomon Islands. The international tender, opened by the government of the Solomon Islands on 23 July 2010, focused on exploration for nickel deposits in the San Jorge, Takata and Jejevo zones within the province. The acquisition of exploratory rights allows for integrated development with the areas already under exploration. This coincides with Sumitomo’s 2009 three year business plan, to produce 150,000mt of nickel per year.
