Cutting Temperatures from 2,000°C to 300°C: MiRESSO Breaks Ground on Demonstration Facility for Essential Beryllium Refining in Fusion Energy

Release Overview

MiRESSO Inc. has commenced full-scale construction of "BETA" (Beryllium Testing Plant in AOMORI), a demonstration pilot facility utilizing its proprietary low-temperature refining technology. The facility is being built on the premises of its capital and business partner, Pacific Metals Co., Ltd., located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Having obtained manufacturing approval for beryllium products from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare this August, the project officially transitioned into the full-scale construction phase on October 1.

Purpose of the BETA Demonstration Facility

The BETA facility is designed to demonstrate the entire process from beryllium ore extraction to the manufacturing of beryllium products. MiRESSO's developed technology will be applied to actual equipment to comprehensively verify operational stability, product quality, and productivity. Beryllium is a critical rare element utilized in aerospace, medical, and energy sectors, and its importance is growing particularly as a fuel production material for future fusion energy.

Technical Background and Significance

The core of MiRESSO's technology lies in its proprietary "low-temperature refining technology." Traditionally, refining beryllium ore required extreme temperatures of around 2,000°C, but the company's technology drastically reduces this to approximately 300°C. This technological breakthrough enables greater efficiency in the manufacturing process and lower energy consumption, contributing to the establishment of a stable supply foundation for beryllium in the industrial sector.

Future Outlook

Based on the empirical data obtained through the completion and operation of BETA, MiRESSO will accelerate the establishment of its technology and studies toward commercialization. Using this full-scale construction kickoff as a starting point, the company aims to build a production process that ensures the stable manufacturing of beryllium products in the future.