Natural Capital
Water Resources
Policies and Basic Approach
Water is the source of all life on earth, as well as being an invaluable resource that is the survival foundation of socio-economics systems. As a consequence of global population growth and development, water resource problems are arising on a global scale.
We recognize that access to safe and sanitary water is an important human right for all people. Also, water resources are essential for business continuity as well as for the residents in the communities where we operate. We have stipulated in our Environmental Policy that we will work to conserve water resources by reducing water consumption and improving the efficiency of water resource use.
We are engaged in operations around the world, including in areas subject to high water stress. We recognize that large-scale development and the vast consumption of water resources have caused problems with water resources. Accordingly, we will carry out water risk assessments to respond appropriately to these problems, and work to promote the conservation and sustainable use of water resources. In addition, in our Medium-Term Management Plan 2026, we have committed to contributing to the achievement of Nature Positive* through business, and have positioned our water-related businesses as priority areas. We will continue to develop them globally, including in the fields of water desalination, water pumping and water production, and will contribute to solving water-related issues through our business.
*To halt and reverse the biodiversity loss by reducing our dependence on and impact on nature through our value chain and by restoring and regenerating ecosystems.
Approximately 15,000 hectares of Mitsui's Forests, equivalent to around 30% of our company-owned forests, have been officially designated as Water Conservation and Water Safety Forests, helping to secure water resources and mitigate flood damage. We will continue to promote the appropriate development and management of our forests with the aim of providing a strong public benefit.
In addition, we will work to reduce our water use at our offices, for example by treating and reducing effluents.
Goals and Targets
Conservation of Water Resources and Identification of Water Risks
- Conserve water resources related to our businesses, identify water risks in our businesses, and consider countermeasures.
- Utilize ESG due diligence checklists and implement a risk assessment in advance using the water-related checklist items when planning new business or when expanding or withdrawing from operations. Make efforts in advance to understand the risks related to water resources for businesses and investment projects where water resources are particularly important such as beverages, agriculture, and mining in water-stressed regions.
Reduction of Water Usage and Improvement of Utilization Efficiency
- Reduce water consumption at the Head Office and branches and offices in Japan, etc., of Mitsui & Co. (non-consolidated) to less than the amount used in the previous fiscal year, and improve the efficiency of water use.
For progress against targets, please refer to: Efforts to Reduce Water Use and Recycle Effluents - Improving Water Efficiency in Offices
Sustainability Governance and Oversight
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee works under the Executive Committee to plan, formulate and provide proposals on basic management policies, business activities, and corporate policies and strategies related to water resources.
The Sustainability Committee is structured so that its activities are appropriately supervised by the Board of Directors, and matters discussed by the Sustainability Committee are regularly discussed and reported to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
Officer in Charge | Makoto Sato (Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Chairperson of the Sustainability Committee) |
---|---|
Administrative Office | Corporate Sustainability Div., Corporate Planning & Strategy Div. |
Please refer to the links below for more information on Mitsui's Sustainability Management Framework and the activities of the Sustainability Committee.
ESG Risk Management
We have put in place a system to ensure that we give maximum consideration to the environment and society not only when we start a new business, but also during already under operations and when we withdraw from it.
In addition, we conduct investigations with experts for new business investment projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment. For risk assessments in water-stressed areas, in particular, we use the portal site Aqueduct from the World Resource Institute (WRI) to monitor and analyze water risks and water effluent, not only for new business but also for our existing business, with the aim of reducing water-related risks. We also utilize ESG due diligence checklists and conduct risk assessments in advance using the water-related item checklist.
ESG Risk Management: Process of Managing Environmental and Societal Risks
Collaborating with Stakeholders
Participation in Initiatives
We are promoting and expanding our efforts to address water resources through participation in initiatives. Participation in each initiative is decided after confirming that it is consistent with our basic policy and initiatives for water resources.
CDP (Water Security)
Since 2015, we have responded to the questionnaire from CDP Water Security, a global disclosure program for corporate information on water risks. Based on our response to the questionnaire carried out in 2023, we received the score "B" in relation to Water Security.
Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)
Mitsui is a member of various Keidanren committees, including the following:
- Committee on Responsible Business Conduct & SDGs Promotion, which works to make the Charter of Corporate Behavior well known, disseminate and promote "Society 5.0 for SDGs", and promote corporate social contribution activities
- Committee on Energy and Resources, which promotes energy policies that provide a balance of S+3E (Safety + Energy Security, Economic Efficiency, and Environment)
- Committee on Environment, which works to respond to climate change, promote circular economy and mainstreaming of biodiversity, and improve environmental regulations and systems
Collaborating with NGOs/NPOs
Support through an NPO for the Development of a Rainwater Reuse System to Supply Safe Drinking Water
In mountainous areas and on remote islands in Bohol Province in the Philippines, it is difficult to access safe drinking water and water stress is high. Water from wells in coastal areas and on remote islands is unsuitable for drinking because of seawater contamination. Boat trips to buy water are a part of everyday life for island residents, imposing a heavy burden in terms of both costs and time. The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund has provided a grant to Ikaw Ako, an NPO to fund an initiative to provide rainwater storage and treatment facilities so that residents in this region can have easier access to safe drinking water. To create sustainable water supply systems, tanks with the optimal size for each community will be designed and built by the residents, allowing the facilities to be maintained and managed locally. Through this project, we are helping to solve the challenges of water-stressed regions.
Initiatives
Water Withdrawal in Water-Stressed Regions
Of the 189 nations included in the ranking of countries identified as having high risk levels related to water-stressed regions (as identified via Aqueduct, a global water risk map developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI)), we have identified 47 countries with water stress levels classified as either very high-risk (17 countries) or high-risk (27 countries). The following table shows the results of water withdrawal surveys conducted at our business sites in Mexico, Chile, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Oman, India, Thailand and Peru for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
*1 In some cases, data was obtained directly from project sites, while in other cases, data was only attainable via the head office (parent company/SPC) of the company or companies involved in the project.
*2 Scope of data collection: consolidated subsidiaries and unincorporated joint ventures.
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
FY March 2022 | FY March 2023 | FY March 2024 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
High risk (40-80%) | Locations | 9 | 8 | 10 |
Volume of water withdrawn (thousand m3) | 99 | 132 | 1,499 | |
Very high risk (>80%) | Locations | 4 | 4 | 7 |
Volume of water withdrawn (thousand m3) | 1,099 | 1,016 | 1,141 |
Initiatives in Water-Stressed Regions (1) Long-term Supply of Water through Power Generation and Desalination Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) Project in Qatar
Mitsui is participating in the Ras Laffan C power and water desalination (IWPP) project in Ras Laffan Industrial City, located 80 km north of Qatar's capital of Doha. The project was initiated in response to an increase in demand for electric power and water as a result of Qatar's rapid economic growth. Qatar uses seawater desalination to produce 99.9% of its water supplies. In this project, energy efficiency is optimized through the use of a power generation and desalination process designed to utilize waste heat from power generation. With a power generation capacity of 2,730 MW and desalination capacity of 290,000 tons per day, this project is operating seawater desalination facilities for a period of 25 years starting in 2011. It supplies water and electric power to the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), accounting for around 16% of Qatar's electricity supply and approximately 12% of its water supply.
Initiatives in Water-Stressed Regions (2) Water Desalination and Pumping Business for Copper Mines in Chile
Chile accounts for approximately 30% of the world's copper production. The country's copper mining operations use large amounts of water, especially in the north of Chile where there is a high concentration of mines. Water stress is high in this region as a whole, with growing concerns about resource shortages. Through Caitan, our 50-50 joint venture with Dragados under Spain’s ACS Group, Mitsui has invested in a seawater desalination and pumping service operation for Spence Mine developer Minera Spence, a 100% subsidiary of major mineral resources company BHP. Caitan will construct, own and operate a water desalination plant and a 150 km water pumping facility in the province of Antofagasta in the north of Chile to supply fresh water to Minera Spence over a 20-year period, starting in 2023.
In the north of Chile, demand for seawater desalination is expected to grow at an annual rate of more than 5%. We will contribute to Chile's development by tapping into the country's rapidly growing demand for water infrastructure and further developing related infrastructure, while addressing the issue of water shortages through our business.
Water Supply and Sewage Infrastructure Business
(As of March 2024)
Business | Country | Processing Capacity (Total Capacity) Unit: thousand m3/day |
---|---|---|
Tap Water Supply | Thailand | 1,028 |
Tap Water Supply | Mexico | 130 |
Sewage Treatment Plant | Mexico (4 sites) | 4,620 |
Power and Water Desalination | Qatar | 290 |
Desalination and Conveyance | Chile | 90 |
Efforts to Reduce Water Consumption and Improve the Efficiency of Use
Efforts to Care for Water Resources During Shale Gas and Shale Oil Extraction
Through consolidated subsidiaries, Mitsui is engaged in the development and production of shale gas and shale oil. The oil and gas are extracted using hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and Mitsui E&P USA gives due care to water resources by ensuring that water for hydraulic fracturing (fracking water) is properly used (including the recycling of wastewater where applicable), managed, and discharged.
Efforts to Improve Water Usage Rates in the Copper Business
We are engaged in the copper mining business in Chile. Chile is a high-risk region in terms of water stress levels, but because the operations require a large amount of water, we are promoting the introduction of technologies to maximize the efficiency of water use in the operating processes of each mine and are working to reduce the amount of new water withdrawal.
At the Los Bronces copper mine (located in the Capital Province of Chile), in which we are engaged together with Anglo American Plc, we reached a water reuse rate of 90% in 2023, mainly due to efforts to extract and reuse water from tailings. Furthermore, an agreement has been signed with Aguas Pacifico to desalinate and supply 500 liters per second to the Los Bronces copper mine from 2026, and measures are being taken to utilize industrial effluent and treated sewage water procured from third parties. Going forward, there is also a plan to provide water to approximately 20 thousand local residents facing a dwindling water source. Also, at the Collahuasi copper mine (located in the Tarapaca province), the second largest copper mine in the world by production volume, with Anglo American and Glencore as partners, the water reuse rate reached 79% in 2023. In addition to increasing the water reuse rate from the tailings, Collahuasi plans to build a seawater desalination plant, which will be operational from 2026. We will continue to contribute to the development of the country through our business while making efforts to conserve water resources.
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Los Bronces Copper Mine* | Water reuse rate (%) | 89% | 88% | 90% |
Collahuasi Copper Mine | Water reuse rate (%) | 79% | 80% | 79% |
* For Los Bronces Copper Mine, the figures include tailings water procured from third parties, and treated sewage, etc. (Recycle + Reuse).
Water Withdrawals in Projects
Water withdrawal intensity for copper concentrate production
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
Scope | Unit (annual average) |
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Los Bronces Copper Mine | Water withdrawal per ton of ore processed at the copper concentrate processing plant |
m3/t |
0.54 | 0.60 | 0.58 |
Collahuasi Copper Mine | Water withdrawal per ton of ore processed at the copper concentrate processing plant |
m3/t |
0.50 | 0.43 | 0.45 |
Water withdrawal intensity in sugar manufacturing
KASET PHOL SUGAR
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
Unit |
FY March 2022 | FY March 2023 | FY March 2024 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Per ton of sugar produced (annual average) |
m3/t |
3.7 | 1.1 | 5.4 |
Water withdrawal intensity in livestock production and processing
Prifoods Co., LTD.
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
Unit |
FY March 2022 | FY March 2023 | FY March 2024 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Per ton of chicken meat processed (annual average) |
m3/t |
12.8 | 13.7 | 13.7 |
Efforts to Reduce Water Use and Recycle Effluents - Improving Water Efficiency in Offices
At the Head Office, we use 100% recycled drainage water for toilet flushing in order to promote reduction in water consumption. In addition, we have set the goal of improving water use efficiency by reducing the amount of water used at the Head Office and at our own buildings (Osaka) to less than the amount used in the previous fiscal year.
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
Progress against targets
Target | Scope | Unit | FY March 2022 | FY March 2023 | FY March 2024 | Achievement status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reduce water withdrawal at the Head Office and branches and offices in Japan, etc., of Mitsui & Co. (non-consolidated) to less than the amount used in the previous year Target values FY March 2022 ≦25,000m3 FY March 2023 ≦58 thousand m3 FY March 2024 ≦70 thousand m3 |
Water withdrawal | Head Office and branches and offices in Japan, etc., of Mitsui & Co. (non-consolidated) | thousand m3 | 57 | 70 | 77 | FY March 2023: A year-on-year increase due to increased office attendance. Through regular seminars and training on environmental laws and regulations, we strive to raise awareness of environmental issues among executives and employees. |
Intensity | The office buildings owned by Mitsui & Co. as a non-consolidated entity (Head Office, Osaka Office, Chubu Office)* | m3/employ | 12.76 | 15.14 | 16.44 | ||
per employee |
* For FY March 2021, company-owned buildings include the Chubu Office (Nagoya); from FY March 2022, the Chubu Office building is excluded due to relocation to a leased building.
Costs Associated with Water-Related Risks:
Water recycling cost of Mitsui & Co. as a non-consolidated entity (Head Office): 4.17 million Japanese Yen (FY March 2024)
Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations Related to Water Resources
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, one environmental accident related to water resources occurred at a consolidated subsidiary. In addition to promptly reporting the accident to the relevant ministries and local governments, we identified the root cause of the accident, conducted an assessment to determine appropriate corrective and preventive measures, took comprehensive steps to prevent recurrence, and announced progress on the website of the subsidiary to the public as needed.