| Sumitomo Metal Mining is the modern-day successor to the copper refining and mining operations originally started by the House of Sumitomo. Today SMM engages worldwide in operations spanning from resource development to advanced materials, with a core focus on non-ferrous metals including gold, copper and nickel. In the area of resources and metals, at home SMM owns the Hishikari Gold Mine in Kagoshima prefecture, which boasts Japan’s largest output of gold in history; overseas, the Company actively pursues resource development in a quest to join the top ranks of non-ferrous metal producers. In April 2005 SMM launched a new plant in the Philippines that recovers nickel from low-grade ores, and in February 2006 the Company commenced operations of the Pogo Gold Mine in Alaska. In the area of electronics and advanced materials, SMM is presently concentrating on developments in China and Southeast Asia with the aim of securing a leading share of the global markets for all related products. |
