News Release

On December 15, 2022, the Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery and Hitachi Refinery operated by JX Metals Smelting Co., Ltd. (President: Yasuda Yutaka; "JX Metals Smelting"), a subsidiary of JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation (President: Murayama Seiichi; "the Company") received The Copper Mark.

　

Independent from the industry it assesses, The Copper Mark is a credible assurance framework to promote responsible production practices and demonstrate the copper industry's commitment to the green transition. JX Metals Smelting started assurance procedures for Copper Mark in March 2022. After an independent third-party assessed its conformity with environmental, human rights, community, and governance criteria, it became the first refinery operator in Japan to be granted the Copper Mark.

　

JX Metals Smelting's participation in the Copper Mark is part of efforts to "promote responsible procurement and ESG initiatives," which is one of the four key initiatives^* set out in the Sustainable Copper Vision that the Company announced on August 3, 2022.

　

The two refineries that were awarded the Copper Mark play important roles in ensuring stable copper production and promoting a circular economy for metals, which are essential to realizing a decarbonized society. Both refineries are promoting responsible production practices, and the Copper Mark assurance process has objectively assessed their efforts. Fulfillment of the Copper Mark criteria will be re-assessed every three years at both sites, which will continue their responsible production practices.

　

By implementing the initiatives set out in Sustainable Copper Vision, including reducing its carbon footprint and increasing the recycling ratio, the JX Nippon Mining & Metals Group will promote decarbonization and a circular economy, and contribute to realizing a sustainable society.

　

* The four key initiatives set out in the Sustainable Copper Vision are as follows:

(1) Reduce carbon footprint

(2) Increase recycling ratio

(3) Promote responsible procurement and ESG initiatives

(4) Form Green Enabling Partnerships

For details of the Sustainable Copper Vision and the key initiatives, see news release dated August 3, 2022: "Sustainable Copper Vision: JX Metals Aims to Supply Sustainable Copper" and the attachment to that release: "Sustainable Copper Vision: JX Nippon Mining & Metals' approach towards realization of "Sustainable Copper""