Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Hyuga Smelting Co., Ltd. have decided to introduce and invest in a new production facility at Hyuga Smelting to produce nickel matte with ferronickel and other sources.

Construction of the facility will begin in 2025 and is expected to be completed in fiscal 2027. Upon completion, Hyuga Smelting will produce nickel matte and ferronickel, and Sumitomo Metal Mining will be able to purchase the nickel matte produced by the company as a new raw material to support its long-term goal of annual nickel production of 150,000 tons.

Besides, the project has been certified by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Securing Supply of Critical Minerals” program.