R&D Strategy
Within the selection and concentration that we perform in our core businesses of mineral resources, smelting and refining, and materials, we carry out priority allocation of research and development costs, and position smelting and refining process technology, powder synthesis and surface treatment technology, crystal growth and processing technology, and exploration, mining, and mineral processing technologies as core technologies.
We also consider analysis technology, computer aided engineering and analysis technology and information and communications technology (ICT) as fundamental technologies, and are carrying out focused development on clearly defined technology domains. Specifically, we are undertaking mineral resource development and further process/technology development in the field of non-ferrous metals smelting and refining, and, in the materials field, are focusing on materials and new technology development in the environment/energy fields and the information and communications fields, where great societal need exists.
We perform research and development after clearly defining the scale of our sales targets for new products, an approach that is generating results. We are also undertaking basic research on powder materials in order to acquire new technologies in this area with an eye toward the future.
Research and development by the SMM Group
Core technology
Basic research
Fundamental technology
R&D System
The Technology Div., which is the SMM Group’s R&D organization, has four departments, three laboratories, and a research center. The departments support the activities of the research center and laboratories making R&D activities for new products and technologies more efficient.
