Technological Lineage of Sumitomo Metal Mining
The SMM Group started with refining technology known as “Nanbanbuki,” the first of its kind in Japan, developed by Soga Riemon around 1600. The technical capabilities that have been enhanced throughout the Group’s history are now organically linked in our three businesses of Mineral Resources, Smelting & Refining, and Materials.
The Company possesses core technologies including exploration and mining technology, mineral processing technology, smelting and refining process and high purification technology, crystal growth and processing technology, and powder synthesis and surface treatment technology as well as fundamental technologies that support these, including evaluation and analysis technology and computer simulation technology. We use exploration, mining, and mineral processing technologies in areas from searching for ore deposits to separation and concentration of valuable metals. In our smelting and refining processes, we recover high-purity nickel, copper, gold, and other metals by combining pyrometallurgy, which processes acquired ores and recycled materials at high temperature, with hydrometallurgy, which controls reactions. The application of these pyrometallurgical technologies has led to advances in crystal growth and processing technologies that are now used in the manufacture of current crystal materials and alloy materials. In addition, the chemical reaction control technologies developed through hydrometallurgical techniques have led to advanced powder synthesis and surface treatment technologies, and those are used in the manufacture of powder materials and battery materials. Furthermore, in recent years, we have leveraged the strengths of two types of metallurgy pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy to achieve the first in Japan “battery to battery” horizontal recycling, recovering metals from used secondary batteries. We are currently conducting research and development with the objective of building sustainable supply chains and achieving a circular economy.
