Japan: Mitsui to boost atomised copper powder production capacity by 50% by next year

• Company to install new production line at Hikoshima Smelting 
• Expansion aligns with strong electronics and EV-linked demand

Japan Metal Daily: Mitsui Mining & Smelting, a leading Japanese non-ferrous metals and advanced materials manufacturer with integrated copper smelting and functional powder operations, announced on 27 March that it will install a new production line at its subsidiary Hikoshima Smelting-an established functional powder producer-at the Hikoshima Functional Powder Plant (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), as part of efforts to strengthen its atomised copper powder production system.

The new line is scheduled to commence operations in October 2027 and will raise output capacity by 50% from current levels. The investment amount has not been disclosed. The company is also evaluating further capacity additions in line with future demand growth.

Product and process 

Atomised copper powder, fine copper particles used in high-performance electronic and industrial applications, is produced using the water atomisation method, a process in which high-pressure water is sprayed onto molten metal to form powder particles.

The material offers high sphericity and superior sinterability, making it suitable for use in external electrodes of MLCCs (multilayer ceramic capacitors).

Market demand outlook

Demand in the MLCC market continues to expand, supported by the rapid advancement of AI technologies, increasing IoT adoption in home appliances, and ongoing electrification of vehicles.

In addition, rising silver prices are accelerating the need for silver conservation, driving demand for silver-coated copper powder used in bonding and heat dissipation materials for solar panels and semiconductor components. This demand outlook has reinforced the company’s decision to expand production capacity.

Operational footprint and context

Currently, atomised copper powder is produced only at the Kamioka Mining and Kamioka Functional Powder Plant (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture).

The company had earlier planned to introduce a production line at the Hikoshima Functional Powder Plant in 2018; however, the plan was suspended during the construction phase due to economic conditions at the time. The new line will now be installed in the facility constructed during that period.

Note: This article has been written in accordance with a content exchange agreement between BigMint and Japan Metal Daily.