Removal work on the damaged smokestack at the Yatsushiro Mill is progressing. Removal of the top section is expected to be completed by the end of August, with the overall work targeted for completion by mid-September. The mill is reportedly connected to several hundred business partners, raising concerns about the impact on the local economy.
Removal work is under way on the smokestacks at Nippon Paper's Yatsushiro Mill, which were damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake. A large crane has been installed at the site, and preparations for the removal are progressing. As of now, 3 of the 5 smokestacks are damaged, and the top of the tallest, measuring around 110 meters, remains broken off.
Nippon Paper plans to complete removal of the top section by the end of August and has indicated that it aims to finish the overall removal work by mid-September. The collapse of the smokestacks means there is still no prospect of operations resuming at the Yatsushiro Mill. This has also raised concerns about the impact on the local economy.
The Yatsushiro Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it has requested support from the national government for recovery and rebuilding. The mayor of Yatsushiro called for assistance, noting that several hundred companies in the city do business with Nippon Paper. The resumption of economic activity is expected to take time.