Nippon Mining & Metals Plans to Double Rolled Copper from Bottom

Nippon Mining & Metals announced on Tuesday the firm plans to reduce rolled copper production by 16% to monthly 2,670 tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2009 started April from same period of 2008. The production doubles from very low level in second half of fiscal 2008. The operation rate could reach around 80% at Kurami plant in Kanagawa as early as June due to higher demand for Chinese personal computer and liquid crystal panel. However, the firm expects the demand could stay the level in and after June.

The firm, which produces phosphor bronze, Cu-Ni-Si alloy, copper titanium alloy and rolled copper foil, decreased to monthly 1,330 tonnes in second half of fiscal 2008 from 3,200 tonnes in the first half due to sharp drop of demand for flat panel display, cell phone, digital camera and automobile.

The production started to recover since April when the demand recovered for semi-conductor since late March and for personal computer and flat panel television since April. The demand for automobile, however, is around 50-60% of the peak in the first half of fiscal 2008.

The firm expects the demand could stay the level in and after June due to slower demand in developed countries while Chinese demand could be firm. The firm expects the operation will keep profitable for high valued products despite of 80% capacity utilization.