- Business
- Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. (5713.T) engages primarily in the mining, smelting and refining of non-ferrous metals, as well as the manufacture and sale of advanced materials. The company operates through three core segments: Mineral Resources, encompassing global development and operation of mines including the Hishikari gold mine in Japan and projects in Australia, the Philippines, Chile and other regions; Smelting & Refining, producing refined copper, nickel, gold, zinc and other metals from low-grade ores using proprietary technologies such as high-pressure acid leach (HPAL), alongside battery recycling processes; and Materials, supplying battery cathode materials including nickel-based precursors and lithium iron phosphate (LFP), electronic materials like copper foil and powder, and advanced products for energy, environment and information communications applications. Founded in 1590 with formal incorporation in 1950, Sumitomo Metal Mining maintains headquarters at 11-3, Shimbashi 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, and conducts operations across Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, North and South America. Recent developments include a January 2025 agreement to acquire additional shares in Coral Bay Nickel Corporation to bolster nickel production; an October 2025 capital increase in subsidiary SMM Perth Pty Ltd., elevating it to specified subsidiary status amid Australian expansions; a partnership with Toyota for mass production of all-solid-state battery cathode materials; signing of definitive agreements with Rio Tinto in 2025 for a 30% interest in the Winu copper-gold project in Australia; and a 2024 joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation for up to 50% interest in the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project's feasibility study, supported by Japanese government grants, as part of efforts to reach 150,000 tonnes annual nickel capacity under its long-term vision. The company also advances production expansions for cathode materials targeting 24,000 additional tons annually by 2025, introduces dividend policies tied to cash return metrics, and progresses integrated supply chains from ore to high-traceability battery components.