Niihama copper refinery

The refinery is located at Niihama, Ehime prefecture on the northern coast of Shikoku Island, and has excellent sea links via the company's own berth for 30kt vessels. Until 1992 Niihama supplied starting sheets to the Toyo refinery. In 1992 the starting sheet unit was closed down and a new unit constructed at Toyo that now supplies unassembled sheets to Niihama. Anode preparation is also undertaken at Toyo and involves blade pressing and milling the underside of the lugs to give a round...