Latest news with #IwakiCity
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mitsubishi Materials looks to scale down copper concentrate processing
Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation is considering 'scaling down' copper concentrate processing at its Onahama Smelting and Refining facility in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. This initiative is in response to deteriorating market conditions and the need to enhance profitability by increasing the use of recycled materials. The company has highlighted a significant downturn in the external environment for its copper smelting business, mainly in relation t treatment charges and refining charges (TC/RC) for copper concentrates. It now has an 'uncertain' outlook for the smelting business, projecting a 'decline' in profitability. The scale down strategy involves partly halting production facilities after scheduled maintenance between October and November this year, with the goal to shift towards raw materials less impacted by TC/RC fluctuations. While the processing of copper concentrate is set to decrease, the treatment volume for electronic scrap (E-Scrap), such as discarded electronic circuit boards, will remain constant. This move is intended to raise the proportion of recycled materials used and, consequently, improve profitability. At the Naoshima Smelter & Refinery in Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture, the company has revised its 2024 investment plan. The policy aims to limit the increase in copper concentrate processing capacity while boosting the capacity for E-Scrap processing. In the meantime, the renewal and expansion of certain production facilities are still progressing steadily. Additionally, preparations are under way for the integration of the Sakai and Sambo plants in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, with the goal of optimising production systems and accelerating growth in the Copper & Copper Alloy business. This integration is scheduled for 1 April 2026. The Sakai and Sambo Plants have been closely linked within the Copper & Copper Alloy business value chain, with the Sakai Plant casting billets and cakes for further processing at the Sambo Plant. Despite each site developing its own operating systems, their proximity has facilitated collaboration. The upcoming integration is set to advance this cooperation further, aiming to enhance business agility and flexibility. By strengthening the integrated production system from casting to processing, Mitsubishi Materials seeks to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce production lead times. "Mitsubishi Materials looks to scale down copper concentrate processing" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
NHK
06-06-2025
- General
- NHK
Banner painter keeps father's eye-popping legacy alive
Iwaki Enobori banners are big, bold and bursting with color — perfect for marking Children's Day each May. They're hand-painted in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, where a fourth-generation artisan is picking up exactly where his father left off.
