Reuters reported that Pacific Metals Co plans to start operations at its 44,000 tonnes a year Hachinohe nickel plant in northeast Japan in the middle of June 2011 after the facility was submerged in a devastating tsunami following a massive earthquake on March 11th 2011. Shipments will start from July 2011.

Pacific Metals is partially owned by Japan's biggest stainless steel maker Nippon Steel and Sumikin Stainless Steel Corporation.

Nippon Steel and Sumikin Stainless Steel halted their Kashima plant after the quake due to damage. They have begun some production and shipping from the plant and shifted part of its stainless steel production to their Hikari Works in west Japan.

(Sourced from www.reuters.com)