Mitsubishi to Halt Copper Processing at Onahama by 2027, Citing Competition and Cost Pressures

Published: Mar 26, 2026 10:05

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Mitsubishi Materials Corporation said on Wednesday that it had decided to cease the processing of copper concentrates at the Onahama smelter and refinery, as well as the operation of related smelting facilities, by the end of March 2027.In a statement, the company said the outlook for the related business had become increasingly uncertain due to intensifying competition from overseas smelters and a sharp decline in treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) for copper concentrates.The company said in a statement that it expected to record an impairment loss of 21 billion yen in Q4 of the current fiscal year ending this month, mainly related to the smelter's fixed assets.

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