JX Advanced Metals Expands Sputtering Target Recycling Capacity at Gunma and Tochigi Plants in Japan

JX Advanced Metals Corporation has decided to introduce new recycling equipment for used sputtering targets at two plants in the Kanto region of Japan. The announcement, dated October 28, 2026, covers the Tatebayashi Plant in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, and the Nasu Plant in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture.

The company is led by President Hayashi Yoichi.

Equipment Aimed at Cutting and Cleaning Used Targets

According to the announcement, the new equipment will handle processes such as cutting and cleaning used sputtering targets. These targets are used in forming the interconnects of advanced semiconductors.

The investment is intended to promote recycling of the targets and allow the company to further expand recycling initiatives it has already been pursuing with its customers.

Both facilities are operated by JX Advanced Metals Coil Center Co., Ltd., whose president is Uehara Masayoshi.

Position in the Semiconductor Materials Market

The JX Advanced Metals Group's semiconductor sputtering targets are widely used in manufacturing cutting-edge logic and memory semiconductors that support the advancement of artificial intelligence.

The Group supplies targets made from a wide range of metals. Copper and tantalum are described as essential for forming the fine interconnects of advanced semiconductors, while the product line also includes titanium, tungsten, and cobalt.

The company states that the Group holds a world-leading market share in each of these product categories.

Rising Demand Puts Raw Material Supply in Focus

Demand for semiconductor sputtering targets is growing in line with the expansion of the semiconductor market, and the Group is increasing its production capacity to meet that demand.

The company says that responding reliably to growing demand makes it essential to secure a stable supply of the metals used as raw materials. To that end, the Group is building a vertically integrated supply chain that spans the entire process from raw material procurement through manufacturing.

In recent years it has also worked with customers to collect and recycle used sputtering targets. The newly announced equipment is intended to build on that foundation.

Resource Use, Environmental Impact, and Supply Stability

The Group says the investment will advance three aims: the effective use of finite metal resources, a reduction in environmental impact across the entire supply chain, and a stronger system for ensuring stable supply.

The move links the company's resource efficiency objectives with its stated commitment to meeting rising demand for advanced semiconductor materials.

Next Steps Outlined by the Group

Looking ahead, the Group says it will continue to promote recycling in collaboration with its customers and further strengthen its vertically integrated supply chain.

Through these efforts, the company says it aims to ensure the long-term, stable supply of advanced materials and to contribute to the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry.