Anglo American has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation to collaborate on the creation of a copper product offering that meets the growing demand for metals with strong provenance credentials. The collaboration will focus on driving traceability across the copper value chain and identifying sustainability indicators that are relevant and valuable to industry stakeholders and end customers. The two companies will use technology-driven traceability solutions to provide stakeholders with secure access to product provenance information. They will also explore decarbonisation opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of the metal provided to customers.

Paul Ward, Executive Head of Base Metals Marketing at Anglo American, stated that the collaboration aims to increase provenance visibility for materials used in key technologies and improve living standards through sustainable socio-economic development. Nobuhiro Takayanagi, Managing Executive Officer Responsible for Sustainable Development at Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, added that the cooperation with Anglo American will promote efforts to ensure transparency of product information.

Mitsubishi Materials is a global manufacturer of copper and other non-ferrous metal materials, cemented carbide tools, and electronic components. Anglo American is a leading global mining company that produces copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds, iron ore, and coal. The company is committed to being carbon neutral across its operations by 2040 and has a Sustainable Mining Plan in place to work towards a healthy environment, thriving communities, and building trust as a corporate leader.