News Release

JX Advanced Metals Corporation (President: Hayashi Yoichi; hereinafter, "the Company") today announced that Marubeni Corporation (President: Omoto Masayuki; hereinafter, "Marubeni") has agreed to participate in development evaluation for mineral sand¹⁾ deposit development project in Australia²⁾, in which the Company is currently involved and for which a feasibility study³⁾ is underway. Marubeni will contribute A$15 million and acquire the right to obtain up to 5% equity interest upon commercialization.

　

The JX Advanced Metals Group positions copper and minor metals--essential raw materials for the manufacturing and development of semiconductor and information and communications materials--as its core domains. We are building an optimal organizational structure, regardless of business scale, to serve as the foundation supporting our focus businesses. Minor metals in particular are subject to intensifying global competition due to their scarcity and ubiquity, making the stable supply of necessary quantities an urgent priority.

　

Recently, the Company decided to participate in this mineral sand deposit development project owned by RZ Resources (Founder and Executive Chairman: David Fraser, hereinafter "RZ"), for the following reasons: the opportunity to secure a diverse range of minerals over the long term, including various minor metals and rare earths used in its focus businesses; the project's location in the geopolitically stable southeastern region of Australia with well-established transportation infrastructure, including shipping routes; and the potential to contribute to strengthening the foundation and competitiveness of the JX Advanced Metals Group's focus businesses with a relatively modest investment. 

　

Marubeni possesses extensive expertise and know-how in the metal resources business. It has been a business partner with which the Company has built a long-standing collaborative relationship within the JX Advanced Metals Group's core businesses, including joint investment in Chilean copper mines and participation in Pan Pacific Copper Co., Ltd.⁴⁾. Through Marubeni's participation in this mineral sand deposit development project, the Company expects to leverage Marubeni's network to secure sales channels for minor metals and rare earths, which the Company believes will further advance this project. Furthermore, the JX Advanced Metals Group will continue its increase such participation partnerships going forward.

　

The JX Advanced Metals Group will strive to realize the JX Advanced Metals Group Long-Term Vision 2040 by accelerating the further strengthening of its base businesses while actively and flexibly advancing various measures to drive the growth of its focus businesses, which are the core of its growth strategy.

　

References
Note 1 Mineral sand; Sand deposit in which heavy minerals are concentrated by the action of water flow.
Note 2 Press Release dated June 9, 2025: "Agreement Concluded for Participation in Mineral Sands Deposit Development Project in Australia"
Note 3 Feasibility study; Comprehensive evaluation of a project or business to investigate and verify its feasibility and development potential.
Note 4 Press Release dated December 20, 2023: "Structural Reform of JX Metals' Base Businesses"

　

Overview of Marubeni（As of November 10, 2025）

Company Name	Marubeni Corporation
Established	December 1949
Address	4-2, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8088, Japan
Capital	JPY 263,711 million (As of March 31, 2025)
Main Contents	Marubeni Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries use their broad business networks, both within Japan and overseas, to conduct importing and exporting (including third country trading), as well as domestic business, encompassing a diverse range of business activities across wide-ranging fields including lifestyle, food & agri business, metals & mineral resources, energy & chemicals, power & infrastructure services, finance, leasing & real estate business, aerospace & mobility, next generation business development and next generation corporate development. Additionally, the Marubeni Group offers a variety of services, makes internal and external investments, and is involved in resource development throughout all of the above industries.
Official Website	https://www.marubeni.com/en/