2024.10.07
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Visiting a Town with Mitsubishi Materials 〜Hosokura Metal Mining Co., Ltd. edition 〜
Ms. Stride, a woman traveling around the world, visits a town where a Mitsubishi Materials Group hub is located.
Navigator
Ms. Stride
A woman in her late twenties who enjoys factory tours and strolls around town.
Hosokura Metal Mining Co., Ltd. edition
In this edition, we will introduce the town where Hosokura Metal Mining Co., Ltd. operates.
The company is located in Kurihara City, a nature-rich area in north-western Miyagi Prefecture. Following the closure of the Hosokura mine in 1987, the smelting and refining division became an independent entity, marking the start of the company’s history. Under the slogan of creating the world’s safest and most reliable lead smelter and refinery, the company continues to develop its smelting and refining business, alongside mine management, in harmony with local communities.
Hosokura Mine Park
A display of the mine’s 1,200-year history
A display of the mine’s 1,200-year history
This attraction realistically recreates how people worked at the Hosokura mine, which closed in 1987. Visitors can learn about the history of both the mine and modern industry while walking through the mineshaft.
Mt. Kurikoma
Reveals “the carpet of the gods” in autumn
Reveals “the carpet of the gods” in autumn
This is a volcano spanning three prefectures: Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita. It is named for the way the remaining snow in early summer resembles a horse. In the fall, you can enjoy one of Japan’s best displays of autumn leaves, referred to as “the carpet of the gods.”
Kurikoma Dashi Matsuri Carrying on a 300-year tradition as community members
This is a 300-year-old festival held to pray for a bountiful harvest. The dashi (festival floats) are decorated with scenes from history and stories that shine in the dark, creating a truly impressive sight! Employees of Hosokura Metal Mining also participate as local community mem- bers by carrying a dashi, bringing energy to the festival.
Jinenjo (Japanese yams) and chars
Fostered by rich nature
Fostered by rich nature
Kurihara City, known for its lush green mountains, forests, and beautiful lakes, thrives on agriculture and fish aquaculture. Jinenjo (Japanese yams), cultivated with great care, and chars (a freshwater fish), whose aquaculture originates in this city, are particularly popular.
“Shakunage- soba” served at the Jinenjo-no-Yakata restaurant
Welcome to Hosokura Metal Mining!
About Hosokura Metal Mining
The company manufactures electrolytic lead and lead alloys by collecting lead and other valuable metals from used batteries as well as from impurities generated during the smelting and refining processes of copper and precious metals. Hosokura Metal Mining’s business contributes to the non-ferrous metal recycling system of Mitsubishi Materials Group.
Collecting valuable metals from waste... You are modernday alchemists!
The company collects approximately 4,000 tons of used lead batteries each month, including those from automobiles, and recycles them into high-quality products such as electrolytic lead and lead alloys. These lead batteries are also used in electric vehicles and will continue to be utilized in the future.
Electrolysis Plant
Electrolysis refining involves submerging a roughly 180kg anode, made of crude lead, and a roughly 7kg cathode, made of electrolytic lead, in an electrolytic solution. The lead melted from the anode attaches to the cathode, resulting in electrolytic lead with a purity of over 99.99%.
Hosokura mineshaft
The mineshaft is remarkably long, extending for 600 kilometers with a maximum depth of 600 meters! Since the mine closed in 1987, it has been repurposed as a storage fa- cility for mine wastewater.
Mine wastewater treatment
Mine wastewater contains harmful metals, which can negatively impact the environment if released untreated. This is why Hosokura Metal Mining properly treats the wastewater to ensure it is clean. The company is committed to continuously protecting the environment and contributing to local commu- nities.
Generating clean energy
A hydroelectric power plant utilizes old mine facilities to generate clean energy, which accounts for approximately 60% of the electricity used at the site.
Guide
Administrative Div. Administrative Dept.
Mr. Takayuki Funayama
Joined the company in 2014. He handles general affairs, including recruitment activities. His favorite local spots are Izunuma and Uchinuma, where many migratory birds gather. Every winter, he eagerly awaits the arrival of 3,000 birds from over 200 species.
Guide
Administrative Div. Administrative Dept.
Ms. Maki Chida
Joined the company in 2016. She handles office work. One of her recommended local dishes is the Renkon Parfait served at the garden restaurant Spring Rd.You’ll fall in love with this adorable parfait featuring locally sourced lotus roots!
