Development of the Recycling Mine Park Concept February 2001

### 1. Japan's Non-Ferrous Metal Self-Sufficiency and the Need for Recycling
Japan's self-sufficiency rate for non-ferrous metals has been declining year by year, reaching 0.3% in FY 1993, leading to increased reliance on overseas ores. This has raised concerns over the strain on landfill sites and the necessity for efficient use of above-ground resources. Recycling for the circular use of metal resources is increasingly important for sustainable economic activities.

### 2. Recycling Mine Park (RMP) Concept
The Recycling Mine Park (RMP) concept, proposed in 1993, aims to utilize facilities and technologies of mines and smelting plants to promote the recycling of waste materials. This initiative seeks to harmonize with local communities while contributing to the circular use of metal resources and environmental conservation.

### 3. Efforts in Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Uguisuzawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture, which once flourished due to lead and zinc mining, declined after the mines closed. However, by leveraging the mining technology, the town has developed "Hosokura Mine Park" as a tourist resource, aiming to revitalize the region. Additionally, there are plans to use recycling facilities as a new tourism resource by opening them to the public.

### 4. Recycling of Shredder Dust
Approximately 1.2 million tons of shredder dust from discarded household appliances and vehicles are generated annually, most of which is landfilled. However, these dusts contain valuable metals like copper, lead, and zinc, and recycling them ensures a stable supply of resources. Particularly, the recycling of non-ferrous metals is seen as an energy-saving measure, and it holds a key position in the Recycling Mine Park concept.

### 5. Case Studies of Kamioka Mining and Nikko Mikakami Recycling
Kamioka Mining, located in Yoshiki District, Gifu Prefecture, began recycling automobile batteries in 1994, recovering lead, gold, silver, and plastic. In Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, Nikko Mikakami Recycling burns shredder dust and recovers zinc, copper, and lead in its smelting process. These facilities are noteworthy examples of how the recycling law has been implemented.

### 6. Economic Evaluation and Challenges in Toyama Prefecture
An economic evaluation conducted in Toyama Prefecture in FY 1998 revealed that the cost of recovering metals exceeded the revenue from selling ingots, leading to a deficit. However, by doubling the processing capacity of shredder dust, the business is expected to become economically viable. Consequently, there are plans to expand the acceptance of discarded household appliances and office equipment.

### 7. RMP Projects in the Tohoku Region
In the Tohoku region, particularly in the Hokuroku area of Akita Prefecture, the RMP project is positioned as a regional revitalization initiative. The Hosokura Mine and Kosaka Smelting Plant in Odate City and Kosaka Town, respectively, are advancing home appliance recycling projects. These projects target the collection and recycling of televisions, refrigerators, and other appliances across Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures. Once the collection system is established, the plant is expected to operate in line with the enforcement of the recycling law.

### 8. Home Appliance Recycling Project in Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture
In Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture, plans have been set to construct a home appliance recycling plant at the site of the former Hosokura Junior High School. The project, part of a "community development plan in harmony with the environment," involves Mitsubishi Materials and other appliance manufacturers establishing a new company to process 300,000 units annually. Efforts are ongoing to secure Eco-Town certification, with the construction of recycling facilities already underway.

### 9. Significance of the Recycling Mine Park Concept and Future Prospects
The RMP concept is gaining attention for its economic benefits and potential for regional revitalization. By utilizing existing mining facilities, infrastructure can be developed cost-effectively, enabling rapid project deployment. The future of this initiative is eagerly anticipated.

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### Developments Since 2020
Kamioka Mining Co., Ltd. (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture) obtained ISO14001 and ISO45001 certifications in 2021, reinforcing sustainability and environmental safety. In 2023, new lead recycling technology was introduced, enhancing cooperation with local communities.
JX Nippon Mining & Metals Mikakami Recycling Co., Ltd. (Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture) was restructured as part of JX Nippon Mining & Metals in 2020. Since 2021, the company has strengthened its recycling technologies for electronic boards and shredder dust, and in 2022, introduced new processes. These efforts have improved recycling efficiency, with further technological advancements planned for 2024.

### Current Status of Recycling Mine Parks in Japan
Since the 2020s, the Recycling Mine Park (RMP) concept in Japan has progressed as a crucial project balancing environmental conservation with regional economic revitalization. Efforts have intensified nationwide, focusing on the recycling of waste materials and community engagement, supported by the adoption of advanced technologies and regional collaboration. These initiatives form a cornerstone of Japan's recycling policies aimed at realizing a sustainable society.