Sumitomo Corporation announces temporary suspension of mining operations in response to COVID-19 (Silver/Zinc/Lead and Nickel mining projects)

Sumitomo Corporation hereby announces the temporary suspension of operations at Minera San Cristobal, a silver, zinc and lead mining project in Bolivia, as well as the Ambatovy Nickel Project in Madagascar, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In Bolivia and Madagascar, all-day or night curfews have been imposed and public transportation has been suspended. Considering the impact of these measures, including difficulties of securing access to the operations for employees and the effects of logistic stagnation, we have decided to suspend operations temporarily to ensure the safety of employees and their families. This suspension excludes any facilities that require continuous operation, such as power plants.

A comprehensive assessment of the impact of this situation to our financial result on Fiscal Year 2019 and 2020 is ongoing. We will make further announcements related to these operations as needed in the future.