SUMMER
2024

vol.

10

MITSUBISHI MATERIALS communication magazine

SPECIAL FEATURE

CLEANLY CREATING METALAND SOCIETY

SPECIAL FEATURE

CLEANLY
CREATING
METAL ANDSOCIETY
Figuring out how to reduce the environmental burdenof the process known as smelting, which creates metalfrom ore and other raw materials, has been a social issue
for many years.
In the 1970s, Mitsubishi Materials succeeded with thepractical application of the “Mitsubishi Process,” theworld’s first environmentally friendly copper smelting
process.
To this day, we have continued with various
improvements to cleanly create metals while taking theenvironment into consideration.
We leverage our proprietary technologies to realize asustainable society and to solve social issues.

For more information on
Medium-term Management
Strategy FY2031, please see
our website.

02

03

How is Mitsubishi Materials able to cleanly create metal resources?

Through the establishment ofan environmentally friendly
manufacturing process

Are there a lot of emissions when creating copper?

A pollution-free system has been
established

It is first processed throughincineration melting in a
pretreatment furnace

generated from molten metal would leak out as uncovered
ladles (cauldrons) would be used to move molten metalfrom multiple furnaces. However, in the Mitsubishi Process,a pollution-free system has been established that preventsthe leakage of SO2 gas through the use of enclosed furnaces
connected by launders.

S Furnace

In what ways is this technology amazing?

Smelting Furnace
Raw materials are oxidized
and melted by blowing air
with a high concentrationof oxygen (oxygen-enriched air) into a furnacewith copper concentrate.
Afterwards, the melts arestrongly agitated.

When creating metal resources, Mitsubishi Materials contributes to the environment by utilizing all of its
proprietary technologies and systems.
Here we will introduce key points regarding Mitsubishi Materials’ environmental contributions, such as thecollection and processing of E-Scrap, a manufacturing process with low environmental impact through theuse of the Mitsubishi Process, the launch of the recycled metal brand, “REMINE,” and more,using simple questions.

Is it OK to put E-Scrap into a furnace as is?

In conventional copper smelting, sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas

It was the first in the world
to succeed in commercial
application
It is said that the realization of

CL Furnace

a continuous copper smelting process was a dream for

Cleaning Furnace

metallurgical engineers. In
1974, this technology was

Utilizing the relative densityof the molten metal flowing
from S Furnace, it is separated
into matte and slag, and only
matte is sent to C Furnace.

Discarded home
appliances

applied practically for the
first time in the world as the“Mitsubishi Process.” This
world-renowned system wascreated after overcoming
various hardships, such as
construction difficulties dueto the oil crisis.

Conventional copper smelting methods were only able
to melt finely powdered raw materials, but the Mitsubishi
Process has enabled the direct processing of E-Scrap

C Furnacearound the size of gravel. E-Scrap larger than the size ofgravel is processed using the Mitsubishi Process afterConverting Furnace

being transformed into recycled scrap (a mixture of slag
and metal) in granular form through water granulation
following incineration melting in a pretreatment furnace.
The pretreatment furnace helps to achieve an environmentally friendly process with no fossil fuels as it enables
combustion (spontaneous combustion) and melting
using only the heat of reaction from combustibles, which
E-Scrap itself contains. Mitsubishi Materials handles
E-Scrap with various properties through the combinationof a pretreatment furnace and the Mitsubishi Process.

Blister copper is
continuously produced by removing
sulfur and ironfrom the matteusing oxygen-enriched air.

Crushed scrapsof discarded
home appliances
and automobiles(shredder dust)

What is the role of the pretreatment furnace?

Eliminating chlorine and bromine
E-Scrap, which contains many combustibles, is incinerated andmelted in the pretreatment furnace. Through this process, E-Scrap
is transformed into a mixture of slag and metal, and thermal recycling takes place. In-house power generation is carried out using thesteam from thermal recycling.
Plastic parts from discarded circuit boards contain the halogens
chlorine and bromine. The processing of large volumes of thesecompounds is the cause of equipment deterioration in the Mitsubishi
Process. The pretreatment furnace serves the role of eliminating the
halogens chlorine and bromine contained within E-Scrap.

04

Pollutionfree
Pretreatment
furnace
Does this consume large
amounts of energy?
Recycled scrap(mixture of slag andmetal)

There are ways tosave energy

Continuous operation in a compact
facility is a key point of the Mitsubishi
Process. This allows for energy-saving,
low-cost operation.

EnergysavingLow cost

05

How is Mitsubishi Materials able to cleanly create metal resources?

Through the establishment of an environmentallyfriendly manufacturing process

Where is E-Scrap collected from?

World leader involume processed

How do you prove that you are using
recycled materials?

It is expected that the volume of E-Scrap handled will increase further due to an increasein the recycling rate of electronics in recent years. Mitsubishi Materials collects E-Scrap not

They are verified by third-party
organizations

only from Japan, but also from various regions around the world, such as Europe and North
America. The volume processed leads the world at approximately 160,000 tons annually.

The E-Scrap recycling process

Mitsubishi Materials launched Japan’s first recycled metal
brand, “REMINE,” which specifies the recycled material content
in non-ferrous metal products. REMINE offers reliable non-ferrous metal products, achieved through calculations of recycledmaterial content in compliance with the international standard
ISO 14021* and verification by third-party organizations.
*International standard that requires the elimination of ambiguous expressions
and the disclosure of information necessary for verification regarding environmental information on productsCollection

Sampling/analysis

Smelting

Resource recovery

Collecting E-Scrap fromall over the world

Weighing, inspection,
sampling, analysis

Smelting at Naoshima andOnahama Smelters and Refineries

Recycling into copper andprecious metal ingots

Will you increase the volume youcollect going forward?

Our goal is to increase
the volume collected to240,000 tons annually

E-Scrap processing capability(Unit: 10,000 tons)

20

06

Enhancementof Onahama
Smelter andRefineryprocessing
capability

16 16.6

The volume of E-Scrap processed by Mitsubishi
Materials accounts for around 20% of the approximately 800,000 tons generated worldwide. In
light of the expectation that the E-Scrap market
will expand going forward, Mitsubishi Materials
is aiming to expand its processing capabilities toapproximately 240,000 tons annually by the endof the fiscal year ending March 2031.

24

Enhancementof Naoshima
Smelter &Refineryprocessing
capability

2023

2026

2028

2031
(Fiscal year)

Naoshima Smelter & Refinery

Onahama Smelting and Refining Co.,
Ltd.’s Onahama Smelter and Refinery

Couldn’t you just obtain metal
resources from mines?

For the future, it is necessary
to recycle our limited
resources
It is possible that supply and demand for metal resources will
be out of balance in the future. Copper, in particular, is indispensable as a material that will support decarbonization as it isessential for xEVs and equipment used for generating renewable energy. However, it is predicted that the volume supplied
from mines will decrease in the future, so it is necessary torecycle our limited metal resources. From the next page, wewill introduce Mitsubishi Materials Group’s resource recycling
initiatives using examples of home appliance recycling.

07

Other than mines, where can metal resources be collected from?

We collect metal resources from home
appliances around us to create a society
powered by clean energy
To stably supply traceable copper

Mitsubishi Materials Group collects valuable metals from used home appliances,such as air conditioners, refrigerators,
TVs, and washing machines, and makes
them usable again as metal resources.
We will introduce two Group companies
that play a role in this area through theirinvolvement in the recycling of discarded home appliances.

Chubu Eco Technology Co., Ltd. (Mie Prefecture)

The need for recyclable materials is increasing
amidst the advancement of the transition to acircular economy. In order to respond to this needand provide the added value of traceability,
Mitsubishi Materials is accelerating its initiatives
with home appliance recycling plants within its
Group as well as Materials Eco-Refining Co., Ltd.,first target. The copper is sold to external recyclers
after being collected at home appliance recycling
plants. Until now, it was not known how copper
was recycled and used in the final products andcomponents after being sold to these external
recyclers. Mitsubishi Materials will establish the“resource recycling loop,” which recycles the copper at its copper smelters, refineries, and wrought
copper plants, manufactures products using it,
and again supplies it to society, creating a structure that can stably supply traceable copper.

Increasing the volume
of copper delivered tosmelters and refineries
by combining theGroup’s strengths

Kenta Toshiyuki

Picking machine

productivity.
One task with a significant workload is the disassembly of air
conditioner condenser units. On the high end, about 350 compressors, each weighing around 9 kg, are moved manually to thecollection containers for this task. In terms of weight transport-

copper in the recycling process for the entire Mitsubishi Materials

ed, this means that approximately a total of 3 tons are carriedGroup. Copper is used for copper tubing for air conditioners andand circuit boards (discarded circuit boards become E-Scrap).

manually, which is a significant burden. Under an initiative from
Automatic screw remover

We disassemble home appliances and collect copper and copper

Smelter and refinery

Naoshima Smelter &Refinery

Recycling ofcopper andprecious metal

the bolts in compressors. The equipment applies image recognition technology from automatic screw removers for flat-screen

resource recycling route for the Group. As we have traditionalTVs.

sales channels outside of the Group, we have not been able to

Reducing the workload with this equipment will enable usdeliver all of the copper to Mitsubishi Materials. Under these cir-Collection ofcopper andprecious metal
Onahama
Smelting andRefining Co., Ltd.

Recycling of copper

to carry out work in an even safer manner and further increase

cumstances, we have been working with Materials Eco-Refining

productivity.

Co., Ltd. and other companies to steadily carry out initiatives for

Nowadays, amidst society’s demand for resource recycling, ourestablishing a recycling structure to further increase the volume
of copper that we deliver to Naoshima Smelter & Refinery.

NIR (near infrared) resin sorting equipment

In addition, we have been strengthening our copper collection

a circular economy.

the color sorting process.
As Japan has limited natural resources, it is necessary to col-Bird’s-eyeview of home
appliance
disassemblyline

lect resources, such as metal and resin, from urban mines. We
have proactively introduced the latest technologies and fulfilled
our role as a place for testing recycling technologies. Throughrecycling technologies we have cultivated. We will carry out ourculating resources for a sustainable future” and work to accelerate

ample, we have improved our copper recovery rate by improving

Collection of copper andprecious metalcompany hopes to provide value to society by leveraging the
day-to-day work while keeping in mind our commitment of “cir-by proactively proceeding with equipment improvements. For ex-

Chubu Eco Technology Co., Ltd.

equipment that automatically disassembles and collects comdoes not only move compressors, but also automatically unscrews

that we have collected to Mitsubishi Materials and establish a

East Japan
Recycling Systems
Co, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Materials’ Head Office, we are planning to introducepressors using robots. This automatic disassembly equipment

Our mission is to steadily deliver copper containing components

Home appliance recycling plant

as metal, but the workload of manually removing and carrying
robots, we are aiming to enhance efficiency and maintain highChubu Eco Technology is working to increase the recovery rate of

power cords for various home appliances as well as for motors

ances manually and with machines and collects resources suchheavy objects was a challenge. By replacing manual labor with

Section Manager,
Production &Logistics Dept.
Chubu Eco
Technology Co., Ltd.

components from them.
Recycling-related bases
operated throughout
Japan by Mitsubishi
Materials Group

Introducing
Left
Shigeru Sato
General Manager, Facilities
automatic equipment
Engineering Dept.
and reducing theEast Japan Recycling
Systems Co., Ltd.
workload to createa safe and secure
Right
Ryuichi Sakaguchi
workplace that
General Manger,
Recycling Dept.
can contribute toEast Japan Recycling
Systems Co., Ltd.
resource recycling
East Japan Recycling Systems Co., Ltd. disassembles home appli-

which performs the role of a trading company.
We will begin this initiative with copper as ourEast Japan Recycling Systems Co., Ltd. (Miyagi Prefecture)

our day-to-day operations, we would like to play a part in a recycling-oriented society and embody our commitment: “For People,
Society and the Earth.”08

Copper scrap

09

Why did you launch a new
brand now?

To realize cleaner
metal recycling

Trailblazer of
REMINEbusinessdevelopment

Saori Koga
Assistant General Manager
Business Development Dept.
Resource Circulation Div.
Metals Company
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

We can create new value
now as our technologyaligns with societal needs

vironmental impacts. REMINE calcu-

seek to know how their own emissions

lates the content of recycled materials

are processed and what types of prod-

based on clear international standards

ucts are created from them.

and ensures high reliability throughIn other words, by adding value to

Our company has traditionally manu-

third-party verification. We are confi-

products that utilize recycled materials,

factured metal products by utilizing re-dent that the demand for REMINE will

we can become the company of choice

cycled materials. This method requires

grow, especially in an era where lead-and gain easier access to recycled

technology and incurs costs because

ing companies across various indus-

materials. We are expected to expand

recycled materials vary in type andtries—such as electronics, automobiles,

and strengthen the recycling loop by

shape. Additionally, they often require

and textiles—are committed to utilizing

increasing awareness of our recycling

pre-processing to be usable as recycled

recycled materials.

technology, improving our scrap col-materials and may contain elementsthat do not exist in natural resources.
We have long developed technology to

Establishment of the REMINE
series, a new metal brandaddress these challenges and deliverproducts to our customers. In planning

Salespersons
for REMINE

Left

Tomohiro Takanashi
Deputy General Manager
Sales Dept.
Metallurgy Div.
Metals Company
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

Right

Emiko Watanabe
Assistant Manager
Lead, Tin, and By-Product Section
Sales Dept.
Metallurgy Div.
Metals Company
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

Mitsubishi Materials has launched REMINE series,
Japan’s first recycled metal brand that displays thecontent of recycled materials contained in non-ferrous
metal products. For the first batch, we released RefinedTin (Ingot) and Refined Lead (Ingot). The REMINE series
offers non-ferrous metal products that utilize Mitsubishi
Materials’ recycling technology, while calculating theirrecycled material content based on the ISO 14021 international standard. The reliability of these products is

lecting capabilities, and delivering
more recycled metals to society.
While we have successfully launched
REMINE, I personally believe it isnecessary, as a member of the Busi-the launch of REMINE, we believed that

I assume that society expects Mitsubi-

ness Development Dept., to devise

now was the opportune moment toshi Materials to expand and strengthen

additional methods to enhance its

create new value by branding recycled

the recycling loop. Conventionally,

profitability. Given the rapidly chang-metals, as our cultivated technology

recycled materials were more reason-ing environment, we will continue toaligned with current societal needs.

able than natural materials and easiercollect information and engage withTo achieve a sustainable society,to procure. However, in the current era,

relevant parties, leveraging our cultivat-

ensuring information transparency

where there is a global trend toward

ed technical expertise, experience, andand traceability for raw materials of

realizing a circular economy, recycled

both internal and external networks to

products throughout the supply chainmaterials have gained greater value.

seek profitability.

will be increasingly important forCountries and businesses scrutinize

resource recycling and reducing en-

recycling companies more closely andEnsuring traceability forour customers andthose beyond themdemonstrate that our products origi-

cling and utilizing limited resources hasnate from recycled materials, adhering

been reaffirmed. Our mission extends

to clear international standards. More-beyond strengthening initiatives for re-over, ensuring traceability will also be

source recycling and reducing environ-

We at the Sales Dept. are actively

easy for our direct customers and cus-

mental impacts through our cultivatedpromoting our recycling and environ-tomers beyond them. Our products will

recycling technology and contributing

mental initiatives, aiming to have theappeal to customers because they areto the entire society; we also aim tovalue of REMINE products recognized

made from sustainable, eco-friendly,

ensure information transparency andnot only by our direct customers, but

and clean raw materials that contributetraceability for raw materials in thealso by customers beyond them. As

to resource recycling and decarboniza-

supply chain. Looking ahead, we be-a result of these daily efforts, Refinedtion.

lieve it is necessary to expand the realm

Lead is primarily used in automotive
and industrial storage batteries, while

What is REMINE?

REMINE expands andstrengthens therecycling loop

Refined Tin finds applications as a leadfree soldering material, in chemical
products, and for tin plates.
While we have conventionally pro-

Increasing the types ofcollectable metals tofurther expand resource
recyclingof resource recycling by increasing thetypes of collectable metals.
Our company has provided society
with metal products that were collected using our cultivated smelting
technology. In addition to this initiative,

moted and sold our refined lead andNatural resources are limited. In Japan,

we are committed to collecting scraps

tin products by emphasizing the use ofwhere resources are particularly scarce,

generated in the supply chain. Our goal

recycled materials, there was no way torealizing a circular economy is con-is to lead the creation of a resource

prove this to end-users tracing the longsidered imperative. Stable resource

circulation system that is not confined

supply chain. However, with our acqui-

procurement forms the foundation of

to our company but involves customers

sition of ISO certifications through asustainable economic activities, and inand relevant parties.

third-party organization, we can now

recent years, the significance of recy-

verified by a third-party organization.

10

11

Visiting a Town with MM
Ms. Stride, a woman traveling around the world, visits atown where a Mitsubishi Materials Group hub is located.

Ms. Stride
A woman in her latetwenties who enjoys
factory tours andstrolls around town.

and precision silicon products. Other than mass production functions, the plant also has research, development, and customer
support functions. With R&D, manufacturing, and quality assur-

Hyogo

Sanda Plant operates from Sanda City, a place abound with nature located in southeastern Hyogo Pre-

Sanda City

ance teams uniting as one, and with “Cooperation and innovation”

fecture. The plant currently handles products used in semiconductors and advanced materials, due to it
originating from the transfer of Osaka Smelter & Refinery’s new materials division to Sanda in 1989.

Kawamoto Komin, ascholar of Rangaku(Japan’s Western studies through the Dutch
language) from Sanda,

Kawam
Kom otoin, asc
Ran holar o
gaku
f
end
of t at thehperi e Edo
od

Sanda City puts its heart into raising its
children. There are many parks within thecity limits, but we recommend visiting
Arimafuji Park. Asobi Okoku (PlayKingdom), which was built
based on local folklore, isthe first to brew beerin Japan. In honor ofthis achievement, thecity has been hosting

be filled with difficult
questions.

always crowded withchildren.
Guide

Materials Characterization
Technology Group,
R&D Department, Sanda Plant

By pro te c t i n g
n a tu r e , th e p l a n t
is bu il d in g t ru st
with th e l o ca l
co mmu n i t y !

Joined the company in 2011.
She operates microscopes andanalytical equipment in the R&D
Department. Her recommended
place to visit is the Kobe-Sanda
Premium Outlets, located just 15
minutes from the plant.

Sanda
CeladonTraditionalart fromthe EdoperiodKnown as one of the threegreatest celadon techniquesin the world, Sanda Celadon

The king of sake rice
Yamada Nishiki, famous for its use
in Japanese sake, is grown around

beginning in Japan in the Edo
period. It is characterized by its
beautiful blue-green coloration and its unique sense of

the plant. The plant draws waterfrom a nearby river to grow therice, so Sanda Plant periodicallyinspects and cleans
the rain gutters on its
grounds and takes

purity. The same blue-green
color covers the outer walls of
Sanda Plant.

great care in managing the quality of thewater.

has been passed down since

12

Yamada Nishiki

Precision mounting
materials in
surprisingly
familiar places
Low alpha solder drasticallyreduces the emission ofalpha rays, a cause of soft
errors. It is mainly usedin bonding materials forlighting and other devices.

the Sanda Beer Exam
since 2017. The highest
level exam is said to

Nao Okabeas our motto, we are creating state-of-the-art products capable ofmeeting customers’ needs in the rapidly changing market.

semiconductors installed inprecision machinery. In addition, AuSn paste, a highly
reliable bonding material,is used in high-power LED

is known for being

Arimafuji Park The largest city park in Hyogo

Precision
siliconproducts

Sanda Plant mainly manufactures precision mounting materials

In this edition, we will introduce the town from where Mitsubishi
Materials Corporations’ Sanda Plant supports the company’s business inelectronic materials and components for advanced products.

A test for beer lovers?

Precision mounting
materials

About Sanda Plant

Sanda Plant edition

The Sanda Beer Exam

Products being manufactured at Sanda Plant

Welcome to Sanda Plant!

Navigator

The R&D
Department
is responsible
for Sanda’s
future throughdevelopment

Low alpha solder

Cross-sectional
image

Silicon chip
Solder bump electrodes(low alpha solder)

Package base

Smartphone

Gold card

Cross-sectional image
LED device
Ceramic

LED light

AuSn paste

responsible for new productdevelopment at Sanda Plant.
It is equipped with the samemass-production prototype

use metal rolling
technologies to manufacture gold items,
such as businesscards, playing cards,

Guide

Tetsuro Mizuta

equipment as our custom-

General Affairs Group,
Administrative Department,
Sanda Plant

ers and evaluates various
developed products. Using
analytical equipment suchas high-performance elec-

enables quick development.

At Sanda Plant, weand bookmarks. We
thinly and evenly
stretch gold using a
metal rolling mill.

The R&D Department istron microscopes to evaluate
and measure products inthe plant and providing
feedback on product development, the department

Rare B-to-C productsin the Group

Precision silicon
products hold the
key to manufacturing
semiconductors
It is unacceptable for even thesmallest impurity to appear in asemiconductor. Therefore, thesame silicon as is used in wafers

Joined the company in 2006.
He has worked in Sanda Plant
since 2018, mainly engaging in
general management of theplant’s premises as someone incharge of welfare and generalaffairs. He enjoys going on walks
and often refreshes himself by
walking along the Muko Rivernear Shinsanda Station andaround Goryo Shrine.

is used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Sanda
Plant flexibly processes finesilicon to meet customer demand. Furthermore, the plant
has realized thorough quality
control using fully-automatedcleaning equipment.

13

MY STORY

aim to support solution-based selling by

as much as possible, I aim to boost

continuing to provide the informationteam motivation and create a fulfilling

our customers need.

work environment. This is my mission

In recent years, manufacturing sites

responsible for internal training and ishave been facing a variety of challenges,

dedicated to fostering talent. Develop-

including worker retention, skill transfer,ing people takes time, but by steadily

and automation, and addressing theseworking on it, we aim to produce indi-issues through operational improve-viduals who can eventually become true

Having reached my 17th year with thements. While hands-on manufacturing

partners for our customers. That is mycompany, I find myself increasingly

experience is necessary for precise

goal.

approached by younger colleagues

operational improvements, I believethat theoretical and knowledge-based
approaches are also essential elements.
At Mitsubishi Materials, we handle
cutting tools, which are essential for

Mitsubishi Materials ʼ Diverse People and Their Challenges“Innovating manufacturing

sites from the ﬁeld of
education”
Rina Suzuki

The Technical Planning Section is also

Creating job satisfaction forteam members as a new
section manager

as a manager.

The courage to embraceand build up your career

seeking career advice. Some are deeply
concerned about their careers being interrupted due to childbirth or childcare.
I believe everyone carries vague anxieties
about the future, and I understand how

manufacturing. In the Technical Plan-

How can I achieve the best output fromit feels to go through emotional highsning Section, where I work, our main

the Technical Planning Section? Having

and lows based on upcoming perfor-

tasks include systematically explaining

been newly appointed section man-mance evaluations. However, despite

the phenomena and issues that occur

ager in April 2024, this is a challenge

having taken two maternity leaves, twoin the use of cutting tools and holdingthat I am currently facing. Our section

childcare leaves, and even a sabbatical,

workshops to deepen our customers’

has 11 diverse members, including new

I have continued to work as a section

understanding of machining. When or-hires, experienced hires, and transfers

manager. So, to those who are con-ganizing these workshops, I am mindful

from other departments. Everyone has

cerned about their careers, I encourageof what customers need to understand.

different levels of knowledge based on

you not to always aim for the fastest

For example, I adjust the presentation

their backgrounds, while personalities,

way to advance your career but to havestyle and materials to match the cus-

attitudes toward work, and work-life

the courage to accept yourself in the

tomer’s experience and knowledge ofbalance also differ. Incidentally, I also

moment and consider your uniquemachining. My mission and fulfillment

have young children, so naturally, I also

career path without comparing yourself

lie in using these workshops to help

need to balance my work with parenting

to others.

customers improve their operations andresponsibilities.

to promote our cutting tools.

Section Manager
Technical Planning Section,
Machining Technology Center,Research & Development Div.,
Metalworking Solutions Company

14

Solving manufacturingsite challenges throughcustomer-centric workshops

Furthermore, having experienced pe-

As a new manager, my approach toriods of anguish due to the lack of role

In Medium-term Management Strat-achieving optimal output is to assign

models around me, I want to demon-

egy FY2031, Mitsubishi Materials has set

tasks based on each person’s aptitudestrate a career path that values both life

the goal of “selling solutions to manu-

and preferences. I have also adopt-

and work. While my choices may notfacturing sites.” The Technical Planninged a style of forming teams flexibly

always be the definitive answer, I have

Section has been offering the “Cutting

according to the nature of the work

persevered and continued working at

Academy”* as a paid service for several

and encouraging members to share

Mitsubishi Materials to this day, nev-

years. In recent years, it has become

their knowledge and help each other.

er giving up despite the challenges. I

clear that there is demand from compa-

Furthermore, I regularly conduct one-sincerely hope that my career path cannies that have been unable to conduct

on-one meetings to understand eachbecome an option for the next gener-

sufficient in-house training due to themember’s strengths, weaknesses, andation who will support the company in

COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, we

aspirations. By respecting these factors

the future.

Suzuki emphasizes theimportance of teamwork.
“Teamwork flourishes
in a flat workplace,” sheexplains. “However, sincesome of our members
are shy, I start by sharing
my true self to close theemotional distance.”*Cutting Academy: A series of workshops covering everything from fundamental knowledge of cutting tools to machining techniques.

15

The Power ofMaterials
Builds Society
Semiconductors“Low alpha plating chemical”
that supports various
manufacturing methods andprevents system errors
Semiconductors are essential for ourcurrent lifestyle. In the field of semiconductors, which is evolving at a remarkable speed, the required specifications,characteristics, and materials for thetechnology are continuing to change.
Amidst these circumstances, Mitsubishi
Materials provides a low alpha platingchemical as a bonding material for
semiconductor devices.
Alpha ray radiation has an adverse effect on the performance of semiconductor devices, causing soft errors and otherproblems. The key to reducing alpha ray
radiation depends on how much we canreduce trace amounts of radioisotopes,
which are included in semiconductormaterials. We started developing low
alpha materials about 30 years ago,
resulting in a reduction in radioisotopes
and the establishment of measurement
and management technology. With afocus on plating chemicals, we provide
a number of low alpha products to theindustry.
Because plating chemicals are easily
compatible with smaller sizes whenforming electrodes, there has been an
increasing dominance in semiconductor devices, which have become smaller
and highly integrated. We will contribute to realizing a prosperous society bymaking use of the technology that wehave cultivated and providing productsthat will play a part in the evolution ofsemiconductors.
PICK UP

MULαS series
Mitsubishi Materials has been developing
the low alpha material series, “MULαS,” forabout 30 years. The series is used for bonding
semiconductor devices to circuit boards andprovides optimal implementation solutions
for cutting-edge semiconductor packages
that are highly integrated.

16

17

SOZAI FILE NO.10

What type of material is

Exploring the “secrets” ofare expected to be used as a material in all-solid-state batteries formaterials and technologies

xEVs (electric vehicles). In this issue, we will introduce our unique

Mitsubishi Materials has

technology that was developed to mass-produce these materials.

developed!

Hea

ting

Variousmaterials

an expert on materials

Dr. Materials

A doctor who loves
materials devoted toresearch at a Mitsubishi
Materials lab.

Simply synthesizing
materials through heating!
Our unique technology may enable
mass production!

Conventional
methods were very
labor-consuming
as they involved
spinning materials
at high speed
or implemented
other processes forsynthesis!

Previous methods for creating sulfide-based solid electrolytes
involved spinning several materials in a container at highspeed to mix them. However, Mitsubishi Materials succeededin the development of a simpler process. The method known
as “firing,” which heats materials in a furnace, enables us tosynthesize the electrolytes. In other words, this is similar to theprocess of baking dough in an oven to make cookies.

Mr. Sulfide-based Solid Electrolyte

Transformation
Transformation into anall-solid-statebattery!

Iʼm a solid-statebattery, so I can
reduce the risks
of ignition! I am
resistant to bothheat and cold!

Transformation to an all-solid-state battery

helps the electrolyte become astable battery with heat and cold
resistance that can be used for xEVs!
Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are “transformed” into all-solid-state batteries.
Generally, the contents of batteries used for xEVs include flammable fluid, so there
is a risk that they combust when something unusual happens. However, all-solidstate batteries, whose contents are solid, aren’t flammable, which reduces the riskof combustion. Additionally, these batteries have better heat and cold resistance

Examples of applications

compared to batteries that use liquid, enabling us to realize safer and more versatile xEVs.

Toward improved performance and wider use of xEVs
One of the current factors that prevent the widespread use of
all-solid-state batteries is the difficulty of mass-producing solid
electrolytes. However, it is expected that we will be able to contribute to the improved performance and wider use of xEVs if the
proprietary process developed by Mitsubishi Materials can achieve
the mass production of high-quality solid electrolytes at low cost.

18

We would love to hear your honest thoughts andopinions about this issue of “WITH MATERIALS” andHere are some of the main topics involving

https://forms.ofﬁce.com/r/kZWVeBD0jq

Mitsubishi Materials from April to June 2024.

“sulfide-basedsolid electrolyte” ?
Sulﬁde-based solid electrolytes, a material from Mitsubishi Materials,

TOPICS

It is consideredthat xEVs equippedwith all-solid-statebatteries aren’t only
safe, but may also
reduce charging
time.

April

Joint Development of an Industrial Accident
Prevention System Using the Sensing
Technology of Smart Footwear

Mitsubishi Materials and ORPHE Inc. have agreed to jointly develop the
Industrial Accident Prevention System that uses the sensing technology of smart footwear (footwear with built-in electronic components
such as sensors) for dynamic state management in factories. This isa service to prevent the occurrence of fall accidents, neglected falls,
and lower back pain at factories and other work sites to support theachievement of zero accidents. Our
accumulated knowledge of safety andmeasures against industrial accidents atfactories and other sites will be combinedwith the fall detection algorithms utilizing
the gait (characteristics such as posture,
movement, and stride length of walking)Insole-type sensor (indusanalysis technology owned by ORPHE totrial accident prevention
realize the prevention of industrial accidents at factories and other work sites.
insole)May

Agreement for the Acquisition of
H.C. Starck Holding GmbH

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation Group (MMC Group) and Masan
High-Tech Materials Corporation reached an agreement whereby
MMC Group would acquire all shares of H.C. Starck Holding (Germany)GmbH, which is engaged in the tungsten business. As a result of theacquisition, MMC Group will have bases of the tungsten business infour major markets: Japan, Europe, North America, and China. Throughcollaboration with H.C. Starck, ourGroup aims to create synergies
and increase corporate value by
strengthening R&D capabilities
and promoting cross-selling, as
well as to develop a global tungsten recycling business by leveraging our recycling technologies andFull view of H.C. Starck’s main
capabilities.
plant (Goslar, Germany)May

Selected as a Noteworthy DX Company
2024 in DX Stocks 2024 for the Second
Consecutive Year

Mitsubishi Materials has been selected as a Noteworthy Digital Transformation (DX) Company 2024
following last year in the Digital Transformation
Stock Selection (DX Stock) program run by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo
Stock Exchange, and the Information-technology
Promotion Agency, Japan. The selection is in recognition of our DX achievements and efforts to foster a corporate culture.
As an important initiative in our business strategy, we are currently
operating a business that collects E-Scrap (discarded circuit boards,etc.) from all over the world and recycles them into valuable metals. In
December 2021, we launched a new platform called “MEX” (Mitsubishi
Materials E-Scrap EXchange) that enables online transactions, realizing
a business model that will attract more business partners through DX.

Please take part in the WITH MATERIALS survey

what you would like to see covered in the future.

April

Collaboration with Duoc UC, Chile’s
Technical Institute of Higher Education

Mitsubishi Materials and Duoc UC, a Chilean Technical Institute ofHigher Education, have agreed to collaborate in the collection ofused electrical and electronic appliances known as E-wastes. In Chile,
discussions are underway to implement a recycling law that includes
electrical and electronic appliances, and the number of E-wastes collected for recycling is expected
to increase in the future. In orderfor the recycling law to work
effectively, it is essential that all
residents understand the importance of E-wastes recycling.
Under such circumstances, wewill contribute to fostering a
metal recycling culture in Chile
through a partnership with
Duoc UC that has campuses in
20 locations in Chile.
Signing ceremony

May

Completion of the Expansion of a Cemented
Carbide Tool Plant in Valencia, Spain

Mitsubishi Materials has completed the expansion of its cemented
carbide tool plant in Valencia, Spain, as originally planned and started
operations in May. Following the completion of the expansion, the production capacity of inserts at the Valencia plant in Spain will increaseby two to five times compared to the previous capacity. We plan toinstall the latest facilities tothe expanded insert plant toenhance the automation ofpresses, grinding machines,
and inspections. We aim
to increase our production
capacity while utilizing thelatest technology to improve
our manufacturing sites.
Expanded insert manufacturing plant

June

Released a Conceptual Video about Our
Commitment

We created a video that conveyed the concept of Our Commitment,“For people, society and the earth, circulating resources for a sustainable future,” and made it available on our corporate website. We hopethat you will watch
the video to see ourefforts to expand
resource recycling
and enhance thesupply of high-performance materials
and products withthe purpose ofrealizing Our Commitment.

19

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S U M M E R
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typhoons or other natural disasters. Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing* using drones
and satellites, can provide the breakthroughs to meet these challenges.
For example, drones can provide a bird’s-eye view of the vast Materials’ Forests from the air, allowing
for the safe and efficient assessment of forest conditions. Logistics drones can transport seedlings
and other materials with minimal labor. By replacing human “eyes” and “hands and feet,” theseadvanced technologies significantly reduce the time and labor required for forest management,
thereby enhancing the safety of forest guardians.
However, this does not mean that we delegate all aspects of Materials’ Forest management toremote sensing and other advanced technologies. By using technology to streamline forest management, we can dedicate more time on the truly important tasks: “visiting the forest, observing it, andlistening to its voice” and “thinking about Materials’ Forests, considering their needs, and maximizing
their potential.” This approach represents our ideal way of creating forests.
*Remote sensing: Technology that measures the shape and properties of an object from a distance without physical contact

Editor/Publisher: Corporate Communications Dept.,tities of trees in a vast forest to safely monitoring forest conditions in the event of damage from

Publication date: July 8, 2024

As forest guardians, we face challenges every day—from efficiently identifying the types and quan-

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation / Marunouchi Nijubashi Buiding, 3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8117 Japan

Changing forest creation with technology while
maintaining our commitment

TEL: +81-3-5252-5206 URL: www.mmc.co.jp/corporate/en/

Forests and Materials

A Materials’ Forest viewed from above, with a beautiful contrast between the forest canopy and the ground(Bibai City, Hokkaido)