EPO published patent application EP4372109A1 for Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. on March 25, 2026. The patent covers methods for producing valuable metals including classifications for ore reduction processes (C22B 1/02, 1/04), reduction processes (C22B 5/02, 5/10, 5/12), waste processing (C22B 7/00), and furnace equipment (F27D 1/12). The application is designated for all EU member states plus Switzerland, Norway, and other European countries.

This is an informational patent publication with no immediate compliance requirements. Manufacturers in the battery recycling, metal extraction, or materials processing industries should review the patent claims to assess potential licensing needs or freedom-to-operate implications. Patent protection extends to the technical methods disclosed in the application.