ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA – June 18, 2026 – Steppe Metal Powder LLC (SMP), Mongolia’s pioneering water-atomized copper powder manufacturer, proudly announces the signing of a landmark "Comprehensive Collaboration MoU” with Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT) of Japan, the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Joetsu Bronz Corporation (JCP) of Japan.
Formalized on May 29, 2026, this unprecedented four-party cross-border agreement bridges academia and industry to accelerate advanced research, development, and practical commercial applications in the field of copper and copper alloy powder metallurgy.
This historic alliance builds upon the rich academic exchange established between NUT and MUST since 1999, as well as the strategic business partnership formed between Steppe Copper LLC (SMP's parent company) and JCP in October 2025. It also marks the first time Nagaoka University of Technology has engaged in a comprehensive agreement involving international corporate partners.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Joint Research & Technological Innovation: The partnership integrates Mongolia's copper resources and SMP's manufacturing capabilities with JCP's extensive expertise in copper alloy materials and the advanced academic research of NUT and MUST. Joint research is already underway, spearheaded by Professor Makoto Nanko (NUT), Professor Delgermaa Mangil (MUST), and Dr. Masao Tokita, focusing on advanced powder sintering technologies such as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS).
- Human Resource Development: A central pillar of the agreement is nurturing the next generation of highly skilled engineering professionals. This initiative is already yielding tangible results; in March 2026, with the support of the Nagaoka City government, JCP successfully hosted a student from the New Mongol Kosen (College of Technology) for a practical engineering internship at its facilities in Niigata, Japan.
- Industrial Advancements: By maximizing the value of copper resources, the collaboration aims to pioneer next-generation industrial products and drive high-value industrial growth in both Japan and Mongolia.
"This comprehensive agreement is a monumental milestone for Steppe Metal Powder and the Mongolian industrial sector. By connecting Mongolia’s high-quality copper powder with top-tier Japanese manufacturing know-how and cutting-edge academic research, we are not just extracting resources—we are building high-value industries and developing the next generation of highly skilled engineers for both our nations."
— Askhar Bakyei, Chief Executive Officer of SMP, stateted
"What we value most in this comprehensive agreement is that it goes beyond mere technical cooperation. We are bringing actual, practical initiatives to life to build industries and develop human resources that will connect the futures of both Japan and Mongolia. By combining Mongolian copper powder, specialized academic knowledge, and our experience as a copper alloy materials manufacturer, we will pave a concrete path toward future commercialization."
— Mr. Koji Yamamoto, President of JCP, noted in their official release
Through this strategic alliance, Steppe Metal Powder and its esteemed partners will continue to promote international collaboration, technological innovation, and the sustainable development of the global powder metallurgy industry.
