BINTULU: Sarawak’s status as a hub for heavy industry was further strengthened with the groundbreaking of a refined ferromanganese production facility at Sakura Ferroalloys Sdn. Bhd. in Samalaju, Bintulu.

Officiated by Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, the ceremony also celebrated the official opening of Sakura’s newly completed Sinter Plant.

The occasion was marked by the announcement of JFE Mineral & Alloy Company Ltd. as Sakura’s latest shareholder, joining Assore, Sumitomo Corporation and China Steel Corporation.

Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen said the expansion demonstrates the confidence of international investors in Sarawak’s potential, while creating high-value jobs and strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem.

He praised Sakura for achieving over four million man-hours without a lost-time injury, calling it a strong reflection of workplace safety culture. He also noted the company’s commitment to sustainability despite operating in a high-impact sector.

The new converter project, valued at US$82.5 million (RM346.5 million), will diversify Sakura’s product range to include medium and low-carbon ferromanganese, with construction expected to be completed by 2027.

Meanwhile, the US$31 million (RM141 million) Sinter Plant will enhance production efficiency and stability.

With these developments, Sakura Ferroalloys is set to strengthen its role as a leading ferroalloys producer in the region, reinforcing Sarawak’s drive towards becoming a globally competitive and sustainable industrial powerhouse.

Also present at the event were Chief Executive Officer of Assore, Charles Walters, Chairman of the Board, Bastiaan van Aswegen, General Manager of Iron & Steel Making Raw Materials Department, Sumitomo Corporation, Hisahide Kikkawa, and Executive Vice President and Director of JFE Mineral, Kenji Oshima. -UKASnews