Consul-General Attends the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the TANAKA–MEP Precious Metal Refinery
2026/10/8
On October 8th, Mr. Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a high-purity precious metal refinery to be developed by a joint venture between TANAKA Precious Metals of Japan and MEP Enviro Technology of Malaysia at the Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang. The ceremony was attended by Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Governor of Penang, Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, senior representatives of TANAKA and MEP, and officials of the Penang State Government.
The new facility will refine gold recovered from industrial scrap and other materials to a purity of 99.99%, supplying high-purity precious metal materials for the semiconductor, electrical and electronics industries and other industrial applications. With a total planned investment of approximately RM70 million, the refinery is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2029. By bringing the final refining process, previously carried out in Japan, to Malaysia, the project is expected to promote resource recycling, strengthen supply chains and contribute to higher-value industrial activities.
At the ceremony, Mr. Sean Ong, Director of MEP Enviro Technology, Mr. Tomoyuki Tada, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies, and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow delivered remarks. They highlighted the development of precious metal recovery and refining through the combined expertise of both companies, the strengthening of supply chains supporting Penang’s semiconductor industry, and the promotion of a circular economy. The speeches were followed by the official declaration of the groundbreaking by the Governor of Penang, the signing of a commemorative plaque and the groundbreaking ceremony.
Before and after the ceremony, Mr. Machida exchanged views with representatives of TANAKA and MEP on the significance of the joint venture and its future business development. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang hopes that this project will serve as another achievement in business cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to the development of Penang’s semiconductor industry and sustainable resource utilisation. The Consulate-General will continue to actively support exchanges and cooperation between companies of both countries.
The new facility will refine gold recovered from industrial scrap and other materials to a purity of 99.99%, supplying high-purity precious metal materials for the semiconductor, electrical and electronics industries and other industrial applications. With a total planned investment of approximately RM70 million, the refinery is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2029. By bringing the final refining process, previously carried out in Japan, to Malaysia, the project is expected to promote resource recycling, strengthen supply chains and contribute to higher-value industrial activities.
At the ceremony, Mr. Sean Ong, Director of MEP Enviro Technology, Mr. Tomoyuki Tada, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies, and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow delivered remarks. They highlighted the development of precious metal recovery and refining through the combined expertise of both companies, the strengthening of supply chains supporting Penang’s semiconductor industry, and the promotion of a circular economy. The speeches were followed by the official declaration of the groundbreaking by the Governor of Penang, the signing of a commemorative plaque and the groundbreaking ceremony.
Before and after the ceremony, Mr. Machida exchanged views with representatives of TANAKA and MEP on the significance of the joint venture and its future business development. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang hopes that this project will serve as another achievement in business cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to the development of Penang’s semiconductor industry and sustainable resource utilisation. The Consulate-General will continue to actively support exchanges and cooperation between companies of both countries.
