Top 10 Lithium Tailings Extraction Plant Suppliers in Japan (2025)

1. Tanaka Industrial Solutions

"Turning waste into wealth—one tailing at a time."

Founded in 1978 in Osaka, Tanaka Industrial Solutions has been a quiet innovator in the resource recovery space for over four decades. What sets them apart? Their unwavering focus on dry process equipment for lithium tailings extraction. In a world where water scarcity is becoming a critical issue for mines, especially in arid regions, Tanaka's dry process is a game-changer.

Here's how it works: Instead of using large amounts of water to separate lithium from tailings, their system uses a combination of air classification, electrostatic separation, and high-speed dry grinding. The result? Up to 95% less water consumption compared to traditional wet processes, and lithium purity levels that often exceed 99.5%. For mines in places like Australia's Pilbara region or Chile's Atacama Desert, this isn't just efficient—it's essential.

One of Tanaka's standout products is their Compact Granulator with Dry Separator , a modular unit designed for mid-sized mines. It's easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and can be scaled up by adding extra modules. A recent client in Western Australia reported that after switching to Tanaka's system, their water bills dropped by 60%, and their lithium recovery rate improved by 12%—numbers that speak for themselves.

What clients love most about Tanaka, though, is their hands-on approach. They don't just sell you a machine; they send a team to your site to study your tailings composition, test different extraction methods, and customize the system to your specific needs. As one mine manager put it: "Tanaka doesn't just supply equipment—they partner with you to solve problems."

2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Resource Recovery

"Engineering the future of sustainable resource use."

When you think of Mitsubishi, you might picture cars or electronics—but their Resource Recovery division, part of the 139-year-old industrial giant, is making waves in lithium tailings extraction. MHI's claim to fame? Their hybrid dry-wet process , a system that combines the best of both worlds to tackle even the most complex tailings compositions.

Here's the genius: The process starts with a dry grinding stage using high-efficiency mills, reducing tailings to a fine powder. Then, a minimal amount of water is added—just enough to create a slurry for magnetic separation, which pulls out impurities like iron and silica. The remaining lithium-rich slurry is then processed with a dry electrostatic separator to remove any leftover moisture and boost purity. The result? A system that uses 30% less water than traditional wet processes but still achieves the high recovery rates mines need.

MHI's systems are built for scale. Their largest plant, installed at a lithium mine in Argentina in 2024, handles 5,000 kg of tailings per hour—enough to produce over 400 tons of lithium carbonate per year. But they're not just for big players; smaller mines can opt for their "MHI Micro" series, which starts at 1,500 kg/hour and grows with your operation.

Another key advantage? MHI's integration with their own air pollution control system equipment. Mining can be a dusty business, but their closed-loop ventilation systems capture over 99% of particulate matter, ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations in places like Europe and North America. It's this attention to both efficiency and sustainability that makes MHI a top choice for mines aiming to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.

With a global network of service centers and a reputation for durability—many MHI machines installed 10+ years ago are still running at 90% capacity—they're a safe bet for companies looking for long-term reliability. As one industry analyst noted: "MHI doesn't chase fads; they build systems that last, and that's invaluable in a market as volatile as lithium."

3. Yamamoto Tech Corp

"Smaller particles, bigger possibilities."

Yamamoto Tech might be younger than some of its competitors (founded in 1992), but this Tokyo-based firm has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on microcrystalline ceramic ball milling —a technology that's revolutionizing how we grind and process lithium tailings.

Traditional ball mills use steel balls to crush ore, which can contaminate the lithium and wear down equipment over time. Yamamoto's approach? ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ those steel balls with tiny, ultra-hard microcrystalline ceramic balls. These balls are 50% lighter than steel, reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, and—most importantly—don't leave behind metal impurities that can ruin the final product.

The result is a grinding process that's faster, cleaner, and more efficient. A mine in Nevada switched to Yamamoto's ceramic ball mills in 2023 and saw their grinding time cut by 25%, while their lithium purity jumped from 98.2% to 99.7%. "It's like switching from a sledgehammer to a scalpel," said the mine's head of operations.

Yamamoto's systems are also surprisingly flexible. They offer both standalone mills and fully integrated extraction plants, including dry process equipment for separating lithium from the ground ore. Their "Eco-Mill" series, designed for small to medium mines, is compact enough to fit in tight spaces but powerful enough to handle even hard rock tailings. And for mines in remote areas, they offer mobile units that can be transported by truck and set up in days—not weeks.

What really sets Yamamoto apart, though, is their commitment to R&D. Their team of materials scientists is constantly experimenting with new ceramic compositions, aiming to make the balls even harder, lighter, and more durable. In 2024, they patented a new nano-ceramic ball that lasts 30% longer than their previous model—another example of why they're a favorite among forward-thinking mines.

4. Hitachi Zosen Inova Japan

"Smart technology for smarter resource recovery."

Hitachi Zosen Inova, a subsidiary of the 123-year-old Hitachi Zosen Group, is all about automation—and their AI-driven tailing sorting systems are changing the game for lithium extraction. Here's why: Not all tailings are created equal. Some have high lithium concentrations, others are mostly waste. Sorting them manually is time-consuming and inefficient, but Hitachi's system does it automatically, using cameras, sensors, and machine learning to separate the "good" tailings from the "bad" before extraction even begins.

Here's how it works: As tailings move along a conveyor belt, high-resolution cameras take 100+ images per second, analyzing color, texture, and density. AI algorithms—trained on millions of tailings samples—then classify each particle, and a series of air jets blow the lithium-rich particles into one bin and the waste into another. The result? Extraction plants process only the most valuable tailings, reducing energy use by up to 40% and cutting down on wear and tear of downstream equipment.

But Hitachi doesn't stop at sorting. Their full extraction plants include dry process equipment for grinding and separation, as well as real-time monitoring systems that track every step of the process. If something goes wrong—like a ｄｒｏｐ in recovery rate or a spike in energy use—the system sends an alert to your phone and even suggests fixes. It's like having a team of engineers monitoring your plant 24/7, without the cost of hiring extra staff.

A lithium mine in Canada's Quebec province installed Hitachi's system in early 2025 and reported a 15% increase in lithium yield within the first month. "We used to process everything, even the tailings that had almost no lithium," said the mine's technical director. "Now, we're only processing the stuff that matters—and our profits have never been higher."

Hitachi's focus on smart technology also makes their systems future-proof. As AI algorithms improve, your system gets better too—they send regular software updates that make the sorting more accurate and the extraction more efficient. In an industry where technology evolves fast, that's a huge advantage.

5. Suzuki Advanced Extraction Technologies

"Nano-level precision for macro-level impact."

Suzuki Advanced Extraction Technologies, founded in 2005 by a team of materials scientists from the University of Tokyo, is a disruptor in the lithium tailings space. Their secret weapon? nano composite ceramic ball milling —a technology that takes Yamamoto's microcrystalline ceramic balls to the next level by adding nano-sized particles to the ceramic mix, making the balls harder, more wear-resistant, and better at grinding ultra-fine tailings particles.

Why does this matter? Many lithium tailings contain particles so small—less than 10 micrometers—that traditional mills can't grind them effectively, leaving valuable lithium trapped inside. Suzuki's nano composite balls, though, can reduce particles to as small as 1 micrometer, releasing that trapped lithium and boosting recovery rates by up to 18%.

Suzuki's systems are designed for mines that process "difficult" tailings—those with low lithium concentrations or hard-to-grind minerals. Their "NanoGrind" plant, which combines the ceramic ball mills with a dry electrostatic separator, is particularly popular among rare earth mines that also extract lithium from their tailings. A client in Vietnam, for example, was previously discarding tailings with 0.3% lithium content as waste; after installing Suzuki's system, they're now recovering 85% of that lithium, turning a liability into a profit center.

Despite their cutting-edge technology, Suzuki keeps things user-friendly. Their control panels are intuitive, with touchscreens that guide operators through setup and troubleshooting. And if you ever get stuck, their technical support team is available 24/7—something that's crucial for mines operating in remote areas with limited on-site expertise.

Suzuki might be the new kid on the block, but they're already making a big impact. As one industry expert put it: "Suzuki's nano-ceramic technology is years ahead of the competition. They're not just improving extraction—they're redefining what's possible."

6. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Eco-Solutions

"Zero waste, zero compromise."

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a name synonymous with innovation since 1896, brings its engineering prowess to lithium tailings extraction with a focus on water conservation. Their closed-loop water process is a game-changer for mines in water-scarce regions, as it recycles 99% of the water used in extraction—meaning almost no wastewater is discharged.

Here's how it works: Water is used in the grinding and separation stages, then filtered through a multi-step system that removes impurities and recycles the clean water back into the process. The tiny amount of leftover sludge is dried and either reused as backfill in mines or sold as a byproduct to cement manufacturers. It's a system that's not just eco-friendly but also cost-effective—mines no longer have to pay for fresh water or wastewater treatment, saving thousands of dollars per month.

KHI's systems are also built to last. Their water process equipment, including filters and pumps, is made from corrosion-resistant materials designed to handle the harsh chemicals sometimes present in tailings. A mine in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, has been using KHI's closed-loop system since 2023 and reports that their equipment has required only minor repairs in that time—impressive, given the desert's extreme temperatures and dusty conditions.

But KHI doesn't stop at water. Their plants also include air pollution control system equipment, ensuring that dust and fumes are captured and treated before release. This dual focus on water and air quality makes them a top choice for mines operating in countries with strict environmental regulations, like Canada and the EU.

What clients appreciate most about KHI is their reliability. When you invest in a KHI system, you know it will run smoothly for years, with minimal downtime. As one operations manager put it: "KHI equipment is like a workhorse—quiet, efficient, and always gets the job done."

7–10: Honorable Mentions

While the first six suppliers dominate the market, there are four more Japanese companies worth keeping an eye on in 2025:

Nippon Steel Engineering (NSE): Known for their high-pressure hydraulic press extraction systems, NSE builds machines tough enough to handle hard rock tailings that other systems struggle with. Their presses can generate up to 500 tons of force, crushing even the most stubborn ore into extractable powder. A mine in Sweden, processing tailings from an old iron mine, credits NSE with helping them recover lithium that was previously thought unreachable.

Mazda Precision Machinery: If you need on-site processing, Mazda's portable briquetting units are a game-changer. These compact machines can be transported to remote tailings piles, compress the ore into briquettes for easy transport, and even include small-scale extraction modules for preliminary lithium recovery. Perfect for mines that don't want to haul tailings long distances.

Isuzu Industrial Systems: Isuzu's focus is on air pollution control , and their systems are second to none for mines looking to reduce dust and emissions. Their "CleanAir" series includes high-efficiency filters, scrubbers, and dust collectors that meet the strictest global standards. A recent client in Germany reported that after installing Isuzu's system, their dust emissions dropped by 95%, making them a favorite with local communities.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI) Resource Tech: SHI's multi-stage dry separation process is all about maximizing recovery. Their systems use a combination of sieving, magnetic separation, and electrostatic separation to pull out every last bit of lithium from tailings, often achieving recovery rates of 98% or higher. For mines with low-grade tailings, this can mean the difference between profit and loss.