X-MINING Resource-Saving Materials: A Key to Decarbonization and a Sustainable Society

In the quest for decarbonization and the realization of a sustainable society, resource-saving materials are gaining global attention. This article explores why these materials are in the spotlight and the benefits of incorporating them into products and manufacturing processes.

Around the world, there’s a growing focus on materials that save resources, driven by the need to protect our planet and make the most of our limited resources.

This article will explain the benefits of using such materials in products and manufacturing processes. We’ll also introduce products from Sumitomo Metal Mining that contribute to resource conservation and efficiency.

Resource-saving involves using fewer resources to achieve the same goals. They contribute to reducing resource usage through enhanced processes or by serving as alternatives or improvements to existing materials.

The global move towards decarbonization is accelerating to prevent environmental degradation and ensure a safe world for future generations.

Decarbonization involves reducing emissions of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, and aiming for net-zero emissions through activities such as afforestation and forest management.

Our daily lives rely on a variety of resources and materials such as metals, cement, and plastics. However, the production of these materials is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the manufacturing of batteries, motors, and semiconductors essential for a decarbonized society requires non-ferrous metals like copper and rare metals, making the secure supply of these materials increasingly important. As a result, the use of resource-saving materials and the development of technologies to reduce resource usage and decarbonize material production processes are gaining attention as means to achieve a decarbonized and sustainable society.

For more details on decarbonization, please see the following column:

[Related Article] What is a Decarbonized Society? Differences from Carbon Neutrality and Specific Initiatives

The resources that support our lives and industries are finite. To aim for a sustainable society, it’s crucial to use these limited resources efficiently and prevent pollution, achieving sustainability involves more than just decarbonization; it also requires efficient use of our finite resources and pollution prevention.

This requires the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Reduce means minimizing unnecessary resource use, including limiting the consumption of non-renewable natural resources and developing durable products made with fewer materials and parts.

Reuse involves reusing products, and Recycle means repurposing used products into new ones.

Broadly speaking, materials that fulfill these 3Rs can also be considered resource-saving.

Developing and utilizing resource-saving materials offers several benefits, including:

• Reducing dependence on specific resources and the risk of price fluctuations
• Lowering energy consumption and CO2 emissions
• Decreasing the amount of raw materials needed
• Reducing water usage

Reducing Risks of Dependency and Price Fluctuations

Depending on specific resources poses significant risks. If these resources were to become scarce, not only could the supply of certain products or services be affected, but industries and economies could suffer from price surges due to increased global demand.

Developing resource-saving materials as alternatives can help solve these problems. Even if a complete replacement isn’t possible, using resource-saving materials can delay the depletion of natural resources.

Lowering Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions

The primary cause of greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, is the use of energy and the burning of fossil fuels. The industrial sector, especially manufacturing, is a major emitter, accounting for about 35% of Japan’s emissions (according to the Ministry of the Environment, 2021).

Using resource-saving materials can help make energy use more efficient and reduce energy consumption in production and disposal, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Decreasing Raw Material Usage

Fossil fuels and mineral resources are finite. Diversifying energy sources and using energy more efficiently through the development of resource-saving materials can help delay the depletion of these resources.

Reducing Water Usage

Climate change, driven by greenhouse gases, affects water resources. For example, global warming can reduce snowfall and advance the timing of snowmelt, decreasing water availability in spring and summer. Climate change-induced heavy rainfall and droughts can also contribute to water shortages.

By innovating raw materials and manufacturing processes, it’s possible to reduce the water used in agriculture and industry needed for product manufacturing, cooling, and cleaning processes.

Rare metals and other mineral resources are essential yet at risk of depletion, and Japan relies heavily on imports for most of these resources.

Rare metals are considered rare due to their limited availability and difficult extraction. They are used in essential everyday devices and in technologies that enable decarbonization, such as electric vehicles and batteries. However, their production is limited to a few countries abroad.

For these reasons, the circular use of mineral resources, including rare metals, is a key area where resource-saving materials are needed.

Using resource-saving materials is crucial not only for reducing carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing but also for conserving dwindling resources. Sumitomo Metal Mining is also engaged in efforts to to achieve a carbon-neutral society and meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the development of various material products.

Here, we will introduce products that contribute to saving resources, enhancing efficiency, and promoting effective utilization, highlighting Sumitomo Metal Mining’s efforts in these areas.

Copper Powder-Added MOD Paste

This conductive material has been developed as a material to promote the widespread use of printed electronics, the next-generation mounting technology.
The general technique for forming electronic circuits involves removing unwanted parts from metal materials formed over the entire substrate, which poses issues in material and energy consumption. In contrast, printed electronics, which apply conductive ink only where needed, are expected to reduce usage, environmental impact, and manufacturing costs.

[Product Introduction] MOD Paste (Metal Organic Decomposition Paste)

Ultrafine Nickel Powder

This ultrafine nickel powder, expected to be applicable to a wide range of electronic components, has been realized through a unique wet synthesis process based on years of cultivated wet synthesis technology, achieving particles smaller than 0.1μm. Furthermore, it has a uniform particle size distribution, eliminating the need for a classification process, thus offering good dispersibility and less waste. Utilizing ultrafine nickel powder can contribute to miniaturization of parts and resource conservation of materials.

[Product Introduction] Details on Ultrafine Nickel Powder Through Wet Synthesis Metal Powder

Rare Earth Magnet Materials

Rare earth magnets are made from rare earth (rare metals), with Nd (Neodymium) magnets being the most common type. However, the risk of price surges poses a challenge for stable procurement.
In response, Sumitomo Metal Mining’s “Wellmax™” focuses on SmFeN (Samarium Iron Nitrogen; hereafter SFN) magnet materials, using Samarium (Sm), an excess element among various rare earth elements. Utilizing Sm (Samarium), an excess element, is expected to contribute to the effective use of Earth’s resources. Moreover, Samarium (Sm) poses less risk in terms of raw material procurement and price volatility compared to Neodymium (Nd), thus stable prices and supply are expected.

[Product Introduction] Details on Rare Earth Magnet Material Wellmax™-SmFeN Magnet Material
[Case Introduction] Is There a Rare Earth Magnet with Less Price Volatility Risk?

As a means to pass on a clean and healthy environment to the next generation and preserve numerous resources, attention has been increasingly focused on resource-conserving materials in recent years. Resource-conserving materials, which can either replace conventional materials or perform highly with a smaller quantity, help reduce the amount of resources used.

Using such resource-conserving materials in the manufacturing, usage, and disposal processes can aid in preventing resource depletion and decarbonization. Particularly, mineral resources such as coal, natural gas, and rare metals, essential for modern life yet at risk of depletion, are largely imported in Japan. Therefore, it can be said that securing a stable supply through the use of resource-conserving materials is necessary.