Sumitomo Metal Mining to Expand Nickel Production with New Facility in Japan

Sumitomo Metal Mining, along with its subsidiary Hyuga Smelting, announced plans to construct a new production facility at Hyuga Smelting to manufacture nickel matte using ferronickel and other raw materials. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with completion targeted for fiscal 2027.

Once operational, the facility will enable Hyuga Smelting to produce both nickel matte and ferronickel. This expansion will allow Sumitomo Metal Mining to secure a steady supply of nickel matte as a raw material, advancing its long-term objective of reaching an annual nickel production capacity of 150,000 tons.

The project has been officially recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under its “Securing Supply of Critical Minerals” program, highlighting its strategic importance in strengthening Japan’s supply chain for essential materials.