News Release

On February 27, 2018 JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation (President: Shigeru Oi; the “Company”) advised its intention to acquire all shares in H.C. Starck Tantalum and Niobium GmbH (“HCS TaNb”). The Company has reached an agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”) that JBIC will join in this acquisition to the effect that JBIC will support overseas investment by the Company utilizing its certain equity investment facility. This is the first time that JBIC has used this facility to invest directly in the metals business since the facility was established in February 2013.

JX Metals Deutschland GmbH (“JXMD”), a wholly owned company that the Company established with the purpose of acquiring HCS TaNb, will issue nonvoting class shares for acquisition by JBIC. JXMD, in which the Company and JBIC will have equity interests, will then acquire HCS TaNb.

HCS TaNb is one of the world’s leading suppliers of tantalum and niobium powders for capacitors, semiconducting materials, and SAW devices. It has an outstanding product range backed by technological capabilities and marketing strengths of high standard. With demand for these products expected to grow in line with advancements in IoT society, the Company seeks to contribute to the growth and development of industry through the stable supply of these products, the development of new products, and productivity innovations.