Korea Zinc, South Korea’s largest nonferrous metals producer, is positioning itself as a key partner for the United States in securing critical mineral supply chains.
Chairman Choi Yun-beom said in an interview with The Worldfolio that the lack of non-China processing facilities in the U.S. poses both economic and national security risks.
He emphasized that Korea Zinc is one of the few companies worldwide capable of addressing this challenge.
The company is expanding shipments of antimony, a mineral vital for defense manufacturing. Korea Zinc exported 20 tons to the U.S. in June and plans to supply another 50 tons next month through a partnership with a Korean chemical firm.
Exports are expected to surpass 100 tons this year and rise to more than 240 tons in 2025. Korea Zinc is the sole producer of antimony in South Korea.
In the germanium sector, Choi joined South Korea’s economic delegation to Washington last month and signed an MOU with Lockheed Martin on supply cooperation.
Both antimony and germanium are considered critical minerals for U.S. defense needs, and China’s recent export restrictions have heightened concerns about access.
Choi said Korea Zinc is also examining opportunities in nickel, lithium, gallium, indium, bismuth, and tellurium.
He noted that the company could pursue expansion in Korea or build facilities in the United States, with construction and commissioning requiring time but aligning with Korea Zinc’s long-term growth strategy.
