In recognition of our mission as a stable provider of nonferrous metal resources and materials to society, the Group has, since our founding in 1905, strived to generate new value even while answering the various changes in the business environment. We are determined to continue forward, taking on the challenge of contributing to the development of sustainable economies and societies through innovation in resources and materials.
Company founder Kuhara Fusanosuke opened the Hitachi Mine in Ibaraki Prefecture, launching the resources development and smelting and refining businesses. From the very beginning of its operation, Mr. Kuhara actively promoted mechanization and modernization to improve productivity. The Hitachi Mine pioneered the custom smelter, using its full-fledged facilities to process not only ores from its home mine, but also those purchased from other firms.
Founder Kuhara Fusanosuke
The rapid growth of the Hitachi Mine’s business led to severe smoke pollution in its surrounding area. To deal with the pollution, the Company built what was then the world’s tallest stack, at 155.7 meters. It began operation in March of the following year.
Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery was built in Oita Prefecture to further expand the mining, smelting, and refining segments fundamental to the Company’s diversified business. It was one of the largest such plants in Japan. Even to this day, it remains a key location within the JX Metals Group, as a leading-edge smelter boasting worldclass technological capabilities and production capacity.
The Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery in 1916
The launch of operations at the Kurami Works in Kanagawa Prefecture marked the Company’s earnest entry into the metal fabrication business. It featured the latest rolling mills, producing phosphor bronze and other copper alloy products. By answering the needs of complex markets for diverse, small-lot, and made-to order products, as well as advanced technical demands on products, the Company carved out a solid position for itself in the metal fabrication field.
Kurami Works just after completion
A new recycling furnace making use of smelting techniques was built at the Hitachi Smelter & Refinery, marking the launch of the Company’s Recycling and Environmental Services Business. Using this furnace, we pursued the business of reclaiming valuable metals from plating sludge and other industrial waste.
The Company entered the electronic materials business in time for the rise of the electronics industry in the 1980s, making sputtering targets for semiconductors and transparent conductive films for liquid crystal displays, as well as materials for compound semiconductors. With the establishment of the Isohara Works in Ibaraki Prefecture as a new main manufacturing center, the Company expanded into the development and manufacturing of various electronics materials.
The newly-established Isohara Works
Spinoff of Nippon Mining’s metals and metal fabrication businesses
Merger of Japan Energy and Nikko Metals
The JX Group (JX Holdings) was born as one of the world’s leading integrated energy, resources, and materials business groups, conducting business in each of the areas of petroleum refining and sales, oil field development, and metals
JXTG Holdings was established with the merger of JX Holdings and Tonen General Sekiyu K.K.
The Group acquired shares of H.C. Starck Tantalum and Niobium GmbH (now TANIOBIS GmbH), a German manufacturer of metal powders, with an eye to expanding its business areas in anticipation of dramatic demand growth for electronic components and devices.
TANIOBIS GmbH (Goslar Plant)
Activity-based working (ABW) was introduced as a new work style that increases productivity by allowing employees to work independently but also encourages open and frank communication that removes organizational boundaries. In addition, SQUARE LAB has been established to promote collaboration with our various partners in the creation of next-generation office space.
We acquired large sites in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and Mesa, Arizona, the U.S., for construction of new plants to meet the growing demand for advanced materials essential for DX and decarbonization. We are looking to have a smooth roll out.
Illustration of the completed Hitachinaka New Plant (tentative name)
Our goal is to increase corporate value by establishing a management structure that enables expert and rapid decision making as well as creating an optimal capital structure that suits the characteristics of our business.
Net Sales 1,6378.0 bil. yen
(FYE March 2023) *Consolidated
No. of Employees 10,759
(as of March 31, 2023) *Consolidated
