History
However, due to the sudden decrease of demand for mercury, Nomura Mining Co., Ltd. was forced to close down.
In 1973, after Nomura Mining was dissolved, Nomura Kohsan took over the technology and site and established the present-day company. With mercury detoxifying and recycling facilities, Nomura Kohsan is the only company in Japan that has specialized in matters pertaining to mercury waste.
Our work areas cover a wide range of mercury waste-related activities that are not just limited to recycling. Since April 2001, we have succeeded a dioxin measuring business after merging with our subsidiary, Yamato Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
Furthermore, Nomura Kohsan has embarked on new international engagements. In early 2014, we have formally joined two areas of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership and have also signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UNIDO.
In early 2018, Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
With our years of experience in the field of mercury waste, we believe that we will continue to bring useful skills to the table both in responding to domestic mercury concerns as well as providing technological assistance and knowledge to parties of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in the near future.
1936
1939
1973
Itomuka Kohsan Co., Ltd. (hereafter ‘Itomuka Kohsan’) was established.
1974
Itomuka Kohsan acquired Nomura Mining (including all of its technology and facilities). Focusing on mercury-containing waste, Itomuka Kohsan started its waste management and disposal business. Itomuka Kohsan also acquired Yamato Metal Mining Co., Ltd. (head office in Nara Prefecture), as a subsidiary. Work conducted at the subsidiary included measurement certifications and recovery and smelting of mercury and other non-ferrous metals.
1975
Feb.
Itomuka Kohsan officially changed its company name to Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd. (hereafter ‘Nomura Kohsan’).
1982
Nomura Kohsan established the Environmental Analysis Center and began its measurement certification business.
1985
Oct.
As a government subsidy program, Nomura Kohsan collaborated with Clean Japan Center to set up an exhibition plant (recycling plant for mercury-containing waste).
1986
Feb.
The Japan Waste Management Association designated Nomura Kohsan as the “Treatment and Collection Center of Used Dry-Cell Batteries for the Wide Area”.
July
Shiobetsu Tsurutsuru Onsen was established.
1989
June
Specific treatment facilities for medical waste, reagent waste and others were created. The construction and installation of the high-temperature incinerator was completed.
1990
Jan.
The Sapporo Office was established in Hokkaido Prefecture.
July
The Research and Development (R&D) Center was founded.
1992
Dec.
Nomura Kohsan began the production of mercury reagents.
1993
May
Nomura Kohsan received the 2nd Global Environmental Award (awarded by the Minister of Environment) which was sponsored by World Wide Fund for Nature Japan and Sankei Group.
1996
Oct.
As part of its recycling business, Nomura Kohsan began the production and sale of soft ferrite materials and cullet.
1997
Apr.
Nomura Kohsan, along with TDK Co., Ltd., received the 10th Technology Prize from the Japan Society of Energy and Resources. The award recognized the recycling technology of turning used dry-cell batteries into soft ferrite materials.
June
Nomura Kohsan received the Award of the Director-General of the Environment Agency for having successfully acquired technology to recycle used fluorescent lamps to produce glass wool and insulation. The award recognized this technology as contributing to the efforts on preventing global warming.
1998
May
The operations of the Herreshoff Furnace No.3 (multiple-hearth furnace) began at Itomuka Plant.
Nov.
Having contributed to the city of Rubeshibe by donating ten times to the social services fund between 1980 and 1997, Nomura Kohsan received a commendation of Social Merits and was also awarded the Distinguished Services Prize.
1999
Apr.
The Japan Waste Management Association designated Nomura Kohsan as the “Treatment and Collection Center of Used Fluorescent Lamps for the Wide Area”.
2000
The Kansai Office was established in Osaka.
2001
Apr.
In order to strengthen the operation base in Kansai, Nomura Kohsan merged its subsidiary company, Yamato Metal Mining Co., Ltd, and renamed the new office the Yamato Environmental Center.
May
The Pyrolysis Furnace began its operations.
Aug.
Having met the standards and requirements of JISQ14001, the Head Office, Itomuka Plant, Sapporo Office and Kansai Office, all obtained the ISO14001 certification.
2002
July
The new analysis building was constructed at the Yamato Environmental Center.
Dec.
The new wing of Shiobetsu Tsurutsuru Onsen was completed.
2004
Jan.
The Kansai Factory started its operations (it began the intermediate processing of used fluorescent lamps collected from the Kansai area).
May
The operations of the rotary kiln began at Itomuka Plant.
Aug.
The Yamato Environmental Center, having met the standards and requirements of JISQ14001, obtained the ISO14001 certification.
2005
The Kansai Factory, having met the standards and requirements of JISQ14001, obtained the ISO14001 certification.
2007
Oct.
Nomura Kohsan received the Environment Minister’s Award for promoting and contributing to the formation of a recycle-based society.
2008
July
Nomura Kohsan was selected as “300 ‘Genki’ Manufacturing SMEs: 2008 edition” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
2014
Feb.
Nomura Kohsan joined the Waste Management Partnership and the Supply and Storage Partnership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Mercury Partnership.
Apr.
Nomura Kohsan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
2018
Apr.
Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).