News

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has initiated consideration of scaling down copper concentrate processing at its consolidated subsidiary, Onahama Smelting and Refining Co., Ltd., located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture.

The external environment surrounding the copper smelting business has deteriorated significantly, particularly in terms of the conditions (TC/RC) for purchasing copper concentrates from mining companies. As a result, a decline in smelting business profitability is expected, and the outlook remains uncertain.
Under such circumstances, in order to maintain and improve profitability, it is necessary to further accelerate the shift in raw material composition within the copper smelting business by increasing the ratio of recycled materials, thereby shifting toward raw materials less affected by TC/RC.
Based on this approach, the Onahama Smelter & Refinery is currently considering specific plans to reduce copper concentrate processing by partially suspending production facilities following the scheduled maintenance work to be carried out between October and November this year.
While reducing copper concentrate processing, the volume of E-Scrap (discarded circuit boards of electronic devices) treatment will be maintained, thereby increasing the ratio of recycled materials and aiming to enhance profitability.

At our Naoshima Smelter & Refinery (Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture), we revised our investment plan in 2024 and, under the policy of limiting the increase in copper concentrate processing capacity while enhancing the processing capacity for E-Scrap, we are steadily proceeding with the renewal and expansion of certain production facilities.

The forecast for copper cathode production volume, based on these considerations, will be announced separately.

Our Group will work to strengthen the recycling of metal resources based on the strength of its smelting and processing technology to realize Our Commitment: "For people, society and the earth, circulating resources for a sustainable future."