Mitsui & Co Ltd, one of Japan’s largest general trading companies, has announced its partnership with the Copper Mark, the credible assurance framework set up to promote responsible practices and demonstrate the industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Mitsui operates as a world leader across the minerals and metals, infrastructure, chemicals, energy, food, retail, healthcare, IT and finance industries, and has now committed to promoting responsible production and sourcing practices across its Asian and global supply chains. This is a significant commitment which reflects Mitsui’s focus on advancing responsible business across the sectors it operates in.
Mitsui is also a major mining investor in some of the world’s largest copper operations – as an example in copper mining it owns 12% of the Collahuasi mine, and is part of the Codelo-Mitsui Partnership that owns 29.4% of Anglo American Sur, the operator of the Los Bronces copper mine.
Mitsui is the Copper Mark’s first Asia-based partner – and the 20th Copper Mark partner to-date – marking an important milestone for the Copper Mark as it looks to expand its number of partners and participating sites from the continent. This reflects the vital role which Asia will play in providing significant volumes of the transition minerals which will be essential for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon global economy.
Through its continental work, global reach and partnership with the Copper Mark, the company can play a central role in driving forward responsible production and sourcing practices in line with increasing investor, regulator and public demand.
Executive Director of the Copper Mark, Michèle Brülhart said: “Mitsui & Co is one of Asia’s largest and most active general trading companies, with both a continental and global reach. We are delighted to have formally partnered with the company in recognition of their commitment to promoting responsible production and sourcing practices across their operations. Partnership with Mitsui & Co also highlights the Copper Mark’s commitment to expanding its presence and activity in Asia We look forward to working with Mitsui & Co to effectively promote responsible practices throughout the continent’s transition minerals sectors.”
