Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. and Anglo American have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in commercial ESG and technical initiatives, aimed at enhancing sustainability and transparency through the copper value chain. Both companies have been developing mutual trust through a long-standing business relationship in the copper smelting business in Japan and the copper mining business in Chile, managed by Nittetsu. Starting with vehicle electrification, copper is an essential resource for achieving the UN's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Therefore, while there is an expected increase in demand, suppliers also need to ensure the raw materials that are procured are responsibly sourced. By signing this memorandum of understanding, both companies aim to share information on decarbonisation technologies through their copper mining businesses and to establish a sustainable supply system by leveraging their portfolios. Anglo American will also be sharing information and best practices for attaining recognised responsible mining standards, which Nittetsu is aiming to achieve for its own mining operations.