Our Mineral Resources segment dates back to the Besshi copper mine, whose deposit was discovered in 1690. Our technologies were cultivated there, and handed down to our Hishikari Mine, which was started in 1983 and is now ranked as one of the top producing gold mines in the world.
We have also been among the first to get into the development of overseas mines, making explorations into various parts of the world.
We will actively promote the development of resources, including copper, nickel, and gold, in the future, as well as continue to make efforts for the stable operation of our Hishikari and Pogo Gold Mines.
Outline of performance for the current year
- Operation of Hishikari Mine developed steadily, selling 7.5 tons of gold.
- Operation of Pogo Mine was temporarily suspended due to bushfires in the vicinity, but a subsequent production increase enabled us to achieve the planned yearly production volume of gold (12 tons).
- Operation of overseas copper mines developed steadily. In spite of cost increases, profits increased with help from the rise in metal prices.
Projections
- For copper, we will focus on expediting the Sierra Gorda copper mine development project while aiming to expand our mineral exploration, participate in development projects, and increase production at our existing mines.
- For nickel, we will promote exploration in the Solomon Islands as we aim to take the next step after achieving a production output of 100,000 tons/year.
- For gold, we will proceed with vigorous mineral exploration in Alaska ,USA, while continuing to make efforts with stable operation of the Hishikari Mine and Pogo Mine.
We have two bases in Japan, the Toyo Smelter & Refinery (copper) and the Niihama Nickel Refinery (nickel) in Ehime Prefecture, which sell high grade metal materials manufactured with our technology at the highest level of in the world. Metal refining operations cause an impact on the environment, so we are developing technology to further reduce CO2 and other substances emitted during the metal refining process.
Outline of performance for the current year
- For copper, production output was the same level as last year, 2009 as we conducted minimum-cost operations to counter the worsening of terms for the purchase of raw materials. However, an upturn in demand led to increased domestic sales.
- Together with an increase in demand for nickel in special steel and alloy use, nickel for use in stainless steel also enjoyed an upturn. Increased production was achieved thanks to Coral Bay Nickel Corporation operating two processing lines year-round.
Projections
- The Toyo Smelter & Refinery will be improved through large-scale renovation of its flash furnaces, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
- For nickel, we will continue to expedite the Taganito Project in the Philippines, which is scheduled for completion in 2013, while also promoting increased production of electrolytic nickel at our Niihama Nickel Refinery.
All electronic devices comprise of many metals which are used for various purposes, such as copper for electric wiring, gold wiring for semiconductors, nickel powder used for condensers, and incidium used for LCDs. We have been engaged in the materials business since 1960, and are now offering metal products that best meet the needs of customers with up-to-date products processed with the technologies we have developed over time.
Outline of performance for the current year
- There was recovery in the volume of orders accepted for semiconductor materials thanks to increasing demand from emerging nations, but in the second half of the year sales slowed due to inventory adjustment.
- Orders for battery materials were sluggish due to the end of eco-car subsidies.
Projections
- We will endeavor to improve earning capacity of copper-clad polyimide film while maintaining its high market share. We will also focus on cultivating Chinese demand for nickel paste.
- We will aim to expand the market share of battery materials to build on the increasing demand for batteries in hybrid-type electric automobiles and electric automobiles. We will also proceed with mass production of sapphire substrates for use in white LEDs, where market expansion is likewise anticipated.
