Korea Zinc begins construction of the world's first 'all-in-one nickel smelter'

[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] Korea Zinc will take the lead in stabilizing its nickel supply chain, a key material for electric vehicle batteries, through the construction of an "all-in-one nickel smelter" that combines state-of-the-art eco-friendly smelting technology.

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony for the "all-in-one nickel refinery" with a production capacity of about 42,600 tons per year (based on nickel metal) at the Onsan Industrial Complex in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. The event was attended by domestic and foreign VIPs including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-kyum, lawmaker Park Sung-min, Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yoon-beom and Chemco CEO Choi Nae-hyun.

The all-in-one nickel smelter, which Korea Zinc is building through its nickel sulfate subsidiary KEMCO, involves a total investment of 506.3 billion won and aims to begin commercial production in 2026.

Through the construction of the world's first all-in-one nickel smelter, Korea Zinc and Chemco plan to process various nickel-containing raw materials including nickel matte and MHP, while producing materials ranging from nickel sulfate to cobalt sulfate and precursor products. The company said this will help it respond proactively to growing demand for battery materials and components driven by the expansion of the electric vehicle market. High-purity nickel sulfate supply is expected to begin in earnest from 2026, when commercial production starts.

/ 알파경제 김지선 특파원