Jakarta (ANTARA News) - French mining giant Eramet chief executive officer Patrick Buffet met with Vice President Boediono here on Tuesday to discuss various matters including investment.

"Yes, they also touched on investment including Halmahera project (nickel smelting plant) but for the details just wait until tomorrow at the Presidential Palace. It is good news," vice presidential spokesman Yopie Hidayat said after accompanying the vice president at the meeting.

Yopie said Buffet met with the vice president for about 40 minutes. Buffet however declined to respond newsmen`s request for a comment.

Eramet, which a French multinational mining company, was established in 1880 and has its headquarters in Paris. It operates in iron ore, nickel and manganese extraction.

The company has invested in Indonesia since 2006 in cooperation with local company Aneka Tambang Tbk. and Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation by acquiring PT Weda Bay Nickel operating in the Indonesian eastern region of North Maluku.

Right now, Eramet controls 90 percent of PT Weda Bay Nickel shares.

Eramet and Antam plan to build a nickel smelting plant in North Maluku.

Besides France and Indonesia, Eramet also invests in various other countries such as the US, China, Norway, Sweden and Gabon.
(T.M041/H-YH/HAJM/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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