- Business
- Mitsubishi Materials Corporation is a Japan-based nonferrous metals manufacturer specializing in the production and sale of a diverse range of core products including copper and copper alloy materials; cement products such as Portland cement, cement-related products, and ready-mix concrete; cemented carbide tools and sintered parts; electronic materials and components; metal materials and processed goods; automotive parts and materials including engine components, drive system parts, and onboard equipment; and industrial equipment and smelting technology products. The company also engages in advanced materials manufacturing, recycling, and green products, aiming to contribute to a sustainable recycling-oriented society by utilizing advanced recycling technologies. Mitsubishi Materials operates globally with significant manufacturing and sales operations focusing on the automotive, semiconductor, construction, environmental recycling, and general manufacturing industries. Founded in 1871 with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Materials is a key player in the Mitsubishi Group conglomerate.
In terms of recent major developments, Mitsubishi Materials is implementing a strategic shift from primary copper smelting towards secondary smelting that utilizes electronic waste such as discarded computers and smartphones to enhance sustainability and profitability, targeting a doubling of its secondary smelting capacity by 2035 while gradually reducing primary copper output. Additionally, the company is expanding its tungsten business globally, strengthening recycling capacity in Europe and establishing new recycling sites in the United States, aiming for a 100% recycled material rate at tungsten production sites outside China by 2030. Mitsubishi Materials also announced plans to integrate its copper concentrates procurement and sales operations into Pan Pacific Copper, a move designed to improve cost-efficiency and competitiveness amid challenging market conditions. Furthermore, in 2024 Mitsubishi Materials Group agreed to acquire tungsten business H.C. Starck Holding GmbH from Masan High-Tech Materials Corporation, broadening its footprint in tungsten mid- and downstream sectors with global production hubs and proprietary recycling technologies under the agreement pending final approval scheduled for 2026. These initiatives reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in nonferrous metals and advanced materials production.