I am responsible for technical improvement and support for enhancing the productivity of existing recycling processes and the development of new processes. Scraps collected in Japan and overseas are examined for size, quality, and other specifications at our company before being turned into oxide powder through preprocessing and oxidation roasting. Then, impurities are removed from the powder through hydrometallurgy processes. Finally, tungsten powder products (WO3/W/WC) are produced through calcination, hydrogen reduction, and carbonization during the drying process.

The challenge of recycling is that we must standardize the output quality of tungsten powder. In this respect, the Akita Plant's expertise, acquired from many years of operation, enables us to produce high-quality tungsten powder from various kinds of scraps. This achievement is the result of highly-skilled operators and flexible process managers working together.

In addition, I recognize the significance of a future where we will be able to expand our business globally in cooperation with H.C. Starck. This technical partnership may allow us and H.C. Starck to compensate for each other's weaknesses, enhance each other's strengths, and ultimately develop new recycling processes together. I am excited about the potential of this collaboration.

For a stable tungsten supply, stable processing in the recycling processes is of the utmost importance. I believe that diligently working on my current tasks will lead directly to the realization of the previously mentioned goal as part of the Medium-term Management Strategy FY2031. Furthermore, with the increased collection of scraps, there is a demand for the development of recycling processes capable of processing scraps at a low cost. I will proactively take on the challenge of optimizing existing technologies and developing new technology in order to contribute to a stable supply of tungsten.

My duty is to produce pure tungsten by removing impurities from scraps while combining technologies, such as ion exchange. The scraps include cobalt and various elements in addition to tungsten. The Akita Plant's ability lies in removing these unnecessary elements through our hydrometallurgy technology, of which we are the only possessors in Japan.

To support a stable tungsten supply and expand its potential, we need to advance technical capabilities that can handle scraps with unexpected impurities and those that are difficult to be processed. The key to achieving this is hydrometallurgy. By identifying the appropriate types and amounts of chemical agents required to remove impurities, I would like to establish a stable recycling method using our accumulated expertise and knowledge.

We are also addressing environmental measures for hydrometallurgy. At our plant, using ammonia results in a high nitrogen content in the wastewater. Excessive nitrogen levels negatively impact water quality. To remain eco-friendly and expand our sustainable business, we aim to collect and recycle ammonia nitrogen.

Moreover, we will improve our operations by establishing recycling technology with low greenhouse gas emissions and conducting other activities, based on social needs. I will also refine our Group's recycling technology in cooperation with other Group members and promote the circulation of tungsten resources in order to expand the Group's recycling business.