NTT circurust is launching a demonstration test aimed at the practical implementation of environmentally conscious copper cables that utilize a mass-balance credit model. In collaboration with BHP, FCM, Mitsubishi Materials, NTT DATA, Sanpo Metal Sales, Senshu Electric, and Yasaka Densen, the company is establishing a value chain that seamlessly connects every stage from raw material procurement to product usage.
For this test, the raw material used is copper concentrate produced at the Escondida copper mine in Chile—operated by the BHP Group—where copper ore is mined and processed using methods that significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sourcing 100% of the mine’s electricity from renewable energy. Mitsubishi Materials will smelt this concentrate and process it into copper rod, which will then be sold through Sanpo Metal Sales.
Subsequently, FCM and Yasaka Densen will process the material into copper cables. Senshu Electric will sell the finished products, which will be installed as electrical wiring at a new Amazon Japan logistics facility.
The “Guidelines for Mass-Balance Credit Models for Copper Products” will be applied to manage environmental value across the value chain. A key aspect of the mass-balance credit model is the accurate communication of mass-balance information regarding the product to companies within the value chain and to end consumers. The demonstration test will utilize an application developed by NTT Circulast and NTT DATA to establish a highly transparent information-sharing process that ensures traceability, while also verifying the effectiveness of this system.
In recent years, efforts to reduce GHG emissions during the ore production process at mines have been advancing within the copper industry. However, a significant challenge remains in effectively communicating this environmental value and reflecting it in the final product across value chains involving multiple companies and processes. This demonstration test aims to address these challenges.

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