Japan: Marubeni focuses on decarbonisation and expansion of green business

Japan's Marubeni plans to prioritise decarbonisation and the growth of environmental friendly green business that support the circular economy in its three-year medium-term management strategy, starting this fiscal year.

The company will put green enterprises at the centre of its growth strategy and work to create a society that is focused on decarbonisation and recycling.

The Metals Division's General Manager (Executive Officer), Daisuke Tsuchiya, said, "Although there is an increased competition in the battery recycling industry, many server companies have technological advantages and knowledge of how to properly dispose of used batteries. As the core of our growth plan, we will aim to increase the business of recycled materials."

Recycling promotion

• LIB recycling: The company will promote and support the commercialization of lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling, the expansion of the supply of copper, which is anticipated to see increased demand as a result of the electrification of vehicles and other factors, and the enhancement of the production ratio of low-carbon aluminum made using renewable energy sources.
  
  
• Renewable energy: In the copper industry, the company will promote new projects for the consistent supply and ethical production of copper, which is essential for global decarbonization. Starting in 2022, the company's copper mine in Chile will run entirely on renewable energy.
  
  
• Seawater conversion: The firm is also pushing the use of saltwater for operations, in addition to accomplishing 100% seawater conversion at the Sentinella Mine and building a desalination facility at the Los Perambres Mine.
  
  

Mr. Tsuchiya expresses his confidence, "Even when looking at it from a global viewpoint, our copper manufacturing has a very minimal influence on the environment. It will be the first option if the day comes when green premiums are highly evaluated."

By steadily operating the Aloette Smelter in Canada, which produces low-carbon aluminum through the generation of hydroelectric power, and by increasing the procurement ratio of renewable energy in the Australian aluminum smelting business, the company will contribute to the expansion of the supply of low-carbon aluminum, which is in high demand globally.

Note: This article has been published in accordance with an article exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily and SteelMint.