Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, has secured a significant order for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of a hydrogen fluoride production facility, along with utility infrastructure, in the Hibikinada Oceanfront Industrial Park located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
This notable contract has been awarded by Mexichem Fluor Japan Ltd., the Japanese arm of Mexichem Fluor, S.A. de C.V. (Koura), a global corporation specializing in raw fluorinated materials and the production of fluorine compounds.
Collaborating on this endeavor is Mexichem Fluor Japan and Sojitz Corporation, a prominent general trading company. The primary objective of this initiative is to produce hydrogen fluoride using Mexican fluorspar sourced from Koura, an Orbia business, with the aim of establishing a robust framework for a consistent supply of fluorine compounds within Japan. This project was chosen as part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Program for Promoting Investment in Japan to Strengthen Supply Chains” (Round 3).
Fluorine compounds derived from hydrogen fluoride are indispensable components in the semiconductor manufacturing and lithium-ion battery industries. Furthermore, they find extensive applications in various sectors, including healthcare and digital communication, both of which are experiencing substantial growth. Consequently, there is an anticipated increase in demand for fluorine compounds, both domestically and internationally. Presently, Japanese industries rely on imported sources for their fluorine raw materials. Therefore, this project is poised to bolster Japan’s domestic supply chain, facilitating the reliable expansion of domestic industries involved in fluorinated products.
MHI was awarded this contract based on its extensive track record in chemical plant production and its ability to present a proposal that showcased a wealth of knowledge and expertise in high-performance chemical products. The MHI Group remains committed to establishing a strong presence in the chemical production plant market, both domestically and overseas. Additionally, it is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at delivering products that align with the needs of the contemporary era and society, thereby contributing to the advancement of global industries and the creation of a sustainable society.