Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM) of Tohoku University have established a Collaborative Research Division at IMRAM for five years from April 2018 to March 2023 for the purpose of researching sustainable development in the Japanese non-ferrous metal smelting and refining industry.

This division will conduct joint research into topics that are beneficial to the Japanese non-ferrous metal smelting and refining industry as a whole, such as the development of technology and the resultant increase in international competitiveness, and will promote the training of the next generation of engineers for non-ferrous metal smelting and refining. As well as this, it will increase collaboration with other universities and companies to provide support for continuing and expanding non-ferrous metal smelting and refining courses, and will aim to the development and recruiting of engineers.

Specific research topics will include:
・Research concerning methods for efficiently separating and recovering a range of metals contained in raw material for smelting and refining that includes scraps of various metals
・Research concerning advanced technology for non-ferrous metal smelting and refining
・Research concerning efficient use and recycling of non-ferrous smelting and refining intermediates and wastes
Results of research will be published at academic conferences, seminars, and other events in order to contribute to the international competitiveness of the Japanese non-ferrous metal smelting and refining industry.

In terms of the development and recruitment of human resources, in addition to the development of human resources through opportunities for joint research, the department will also promote the appeal of the industry through seminars, site visits, and other collaboration initiatives with various non-ferrous metal smelting and refining companies to take forward the development and recruitment of the next generation of human resources for the non-ferrous metal smelting and refining industry.

▶ Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.