Sumitomo's involvement with copper mining spans over 420 years. During that time, the business has faced several major challenges due to changes in external conditions. In each case, management responded to the changes with skill and tenacity to forge a new business with a revised strategy and organization. The enterprise's sustained growth has made a significant and wide-ranging contribution to the development of Japanese society. Today, as the direct successor of Sumitomo's original business, SMM once again draws inspiration from this illustrious history to move forward based on the Sumitomo Business Spirit.