How to position yourself in light of resource nationalism – Itochu’s example

With significant shifts in the global mining landscape it is not surprising to see changes in strategy among many companies.

A prime example is Itochu Corp.’s drive to gain better access to copper mines in the Philippines and the Pacific Rim by investing significantly in mining companies and projects to turn itself from just a trader to more of a mining company.

With the establishment of a specific company for this purpose Itochu is taking serious steps into turning itself more into a mining company like Xstrata while continuously building the necessary assets, human resources and expertise to eventually ensure a continuous supply of minerals and metals, leveraging on increasing prices in the world markets.

As companies and governments around the world continue to try and protect their access to cheaper resources the industry will maintain its strong drive in investments across the mining sector.

With significant participation by junior miners and significant Asian mining projects the Asia Mining Congress in March 2013 will feature extensive possibilities for companies such as Itochu to strengthen their portfolios in key interest areas of coal, copper and Iron ore.