Sakura Ferroalloys Breaks Ground For Refined Ferromanganese Production
Sakura Ferroalloys Celebrates 10 Years of Operations with the Opening of New Sinter Plant and the Groundbreaking for Refined Ferromanganese Converter
Bintulu, Sarawak, 12 September 2025 – Sakura Ferroalloys today hosted a ceremonial event to mark three major milestones: the official opening of its newly constructed Sinter Plant and the groundbreaking for its Refined Ferromanganese Converter. The occasion also marked a pivotal moment with the official announcement of its fourth shareholder, JFE Minerals.
Located in the Samalaju Industrial Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, Sakura Ferroalloys is jointly owned by Assore, Sumitomo Corporation, China Steel Corporation, and JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, Ltd. The company has been in operation for a decade and takes pride in delivering high-quality products, maintaining an excellent safety record of over 4 million man-hours without lost-time injuries, and contributing meaningfully to the people and economy of Sarawak and Malaysia.
Official Opening of the Sinter Plant
The Sinter Plant will enhance Sakura Ferroalloys’ ability to optimise raw material usage, improve furnace performance, and increase overall metallurgical efficiency. It ensures consistent feed preparation for smelting, contributing to more stable production performance.
The project with investments of US$31 million (RM141 million) was completed following a 22-month construction phase. Its successful commissioning reflects the company’s continued commitment to investing in safe, efficient, and competitive alloy production infrastructure.
Groundbreaking for Refined Ferromanganese Converter – Project Salamander
Known internally as Project Salamander, the new converter represents a cornerstone of Sakura Ferroalloys’ product diversification strategy. It will enable the company to expand its portfolio to include both medium and low-carbon ferromanganese, strengthening its ability to serve evolving customer demand in specialised alloy markets worldwide.
The project with investments of US$82.5 million (RM346.5 million) is scheduled for 21 months of construction, with hot commissioning targeted for April 2027 and full production ramp-up by mid-2027. Once complete, the facility will have an annual capacity of 70,000 tons of refined ferromanganese.
Institutional Support
The project has received strong support from government and industry agencies:
- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has facilitated approvals from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), ensuring smooth progression of the project.
- The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) has endorsed the initiative, acknowledging its strategic significance in shaping Sarawak’s evolving industrial landscape and long-term economic strategy.
“These milestones achieved by Sakura Ferroalloys are one of the examples of why Malaysia continues to attract strategic, high-value investments,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA. “Sakura Ferroalloys’ diversification into medium and low-carbon ferromanganese supports the goals of our New Industrial Master Plan 2030, particularly around greener and more sustainable manufacturing. The new sinter plant will also enhance efficiency and strengthen production stability. MIDA will continue to support projects that drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term resilience.”
MINTRED is pleased to support this initiative, recognising its pivotal role in accelerating Sarawak’s industrial transformation and securing long-term economic resilience. This strategic move positions Sarawak at the forefront of innovation, investment, and sustainable growth, reinforcing our commitment to building a future-ready economy that benefits all Sarawakians,” said YB Datuk Dr. Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister of MINTRED.
Welcoming JFE Minerals as Fourth Shareholder
The decision to proceed with refined ferromanganese production was made possible through the entry of a new shareholder. In July 2025, JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, Ltd. acquired a 7.5% stake in Sakura Ferroalloys. JFE’s refining technology further strengthen Sakura’s consortium and operational excellence.
“JFE Minerals brings deep industry knowledge and international reach. Their participation reflects strong confidence in Malaysia’s industrial potential,” said Mr. Tiaan van Aswegen, the Chairman of Sakura Board of Directors.
These milestones demonstrate Sakura Ferroalloys’ unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and partnership. Together with MIDA, MINTRED and our shareholders, Sakura aims to remain the Company of Choice for stakeholders, clients, and employees.
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About MIDA
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.
About Sakura Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd
Sakura Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between global and diversified mining leader Assore through its international subsidiary Assore International Holdings, trading powerhouse Sumitomo Corporation (Japan), manufacturing giant China Steel Corporation (Taiwan) and JFE Minerals (Japan) recently joined as the fourth shareholder.
Sakura was established to produce high carbon ferro-manganese (HCFeMn) and silico manganese (SiMn) at its strategically located smelting plant in Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Envisioned to be a world leading producer of diversified manganese-based products, Sakura is actively expanding its portfolio to include refined ferromanganese in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and global market responsiveness. For more information, please visit www.sakuraferroalloys.com.my and follow us on Facebook.
For More Information, Please Contact:
MIDA
Ms. Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery & Metal Technology Division
No.: +603-2267 6769
Email: [email protected]
Sakura Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd
Ms. Chelsea Kennedy
Human Resources Manager
No.: +6086-298 800
Email: [email protected]
