The prices of non-ferrous metals, such as copper, have been rising in recent years. The predictions of a “non-ferrous metal shortage” we hear about in the news and other media, are strictly stating there is a possibility of an imbalance of supply and demand. It is precisely because we foresee further growth in demand that the securing of metal resources through the recycling of used metal from urban mines, or E-Scrap, is important. Japan once produced lots of metal resources. However, as you can see from the fact that all of Japan’s copper mines are closed, our metal resources are currently dependent on imports from specific countries. Therefore, we need to be prepared for a situation where our imports are cut off due to possible future political risks. That is why establishing a cycle of metal resource recycling through urban mining in Japan will help to maintain the stability of the industry. Expansion of metal resource recycling will lead to the effective use of resources. Compared to mineral resources, urban mines are superior in terms of having a high concentration of not only copper but also precious metals, such as gold and silver, as well as rare metals, including palladium.
On the other hand, an issue with urban mines is the difficulty of predicting the amount of resources that can be secured in the future. For this reason, the competition for metal resources has been regarded as a problem in recent years, and it is also essential to create a system for a stable supply of resources, taking into account the perspectives of the government and administration. I have a wide range of expectations for Mitsubishi Materials, which is a key company for metal resource recycling. Mitsubishi Materials, using the “Mitsubishi Process” for continuous copper smelting, its proprietary technology, has continued to take on the challenge of technological development and established a smelting process. Now, in this era in which urban mining is the key, I would like the company to treasure the challenger’s spirit, researching and developing a smelting and refining process optimized for urban mining and releasing newly evolved technologies to the world. Mitsubishi Materials is sponsoring an endowed course at Kyoto University as part of non-ferrous metal smelting related education. At the time the course began, the then vice-president of Mitsubishi Materials, Osamu Iida, encouraged me, saying: “During this course, please deliver a lecture that will benefit the entire non-ferrous metal smelting industry.” In response to his thoughts, I aim to educate and train human resources who will shape the future of non-ferrous metal smelting, the basis of social development, through this course. For the expansion of metal resource recycling, passing on smelting and refining technology to the future generation is vital. Communicate not only the technology but also the mindset of proactive thinking and action. Create an environment in which engineers can take on more challenges without fear of failure. These things should evolve smelting and refining technology and connect it to the future. Continuous learning strengthens the muscle supporting technology. Going forward, let’s continue to promote collaboration between business and academia to develop people who will create the future.