Japan: Sumitomo Metal Mining plans 8.2% rise in FY’26 copper output

• Copper output supported by plant normalisation
• Mixed output across nickel and precious metals

Sumitomo Metal Mining, a leading Japan-based integrated non-ferrous metal producer with mining, smelting and refining capabilities, operates large-scale facilities including the Toyo smelter and refineries with significant capacity across copper, nickel and precious metals. The company has outlined its FY’26 bullion production plan, indicating a strong uptick in copper output alongside mixed trends in other metals.

Copper output up on plant normalization

The company plans to increase electric copper production by 8.2% y-o-y to 446,000 t in FY’26, driven by the normalisation of operations following maintenance disruptions in the previous fiscal. Output was impacted in FY’25 due to scheduled repairs at the Toyo smelter (Ehime Prefecture).

The production split is projected at 223,000 t each in H1 and H2, with growth of 3.7% in H1 and a sharper 13.1% increase in H2, indicating stronger recovery momentum in the latter half of the year.

Nickel steady; ferronickel output down

Electric nickel production is expected to rise marginally by 0.9% to 64,600 t, supported by stable operating conditions, despite planned maintenance shutdowns of approximately one week each in May and November.

In contrast, ferronickel production is projected to decline 10% y-o-y to 4,500 t, reflecting output adjustments aligned with prevailing sales conditions and demand outlook.

Diverging trends in precious metals output

Gold production is forecast at 11,100 kg, marking a sharp 18.4% decline y-o-y, indicating lower recovery or processing volumes.

Meanwhile, silver output is expected to increase 2.2% to 182,000 kg, suggesting relatively stable demand and operational throughput in the silver segment.

Overall, the FY26 production plan reflects a copper-led growth strategy, supported by improved plant availability, while nickel remains stable and precious metals show mixed trends, aligned with operational and market dynamics.

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