Korea Zinc Expands Semiconductor Sulfuric Acid Capacity to 320,000 Tons - thelec.net

Korea Zinc announced on September 2 that it has completed an expansion of its semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production lines at its Onsan refinery in Ulsan, commencing operations with an increased... Read original →

Korea Zinc’s recent expansion of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid capacity marks a pivotal shift in the global supply chain dynamics, directly addressing rising demand from South Korea’s chipmakers fueled by AI infrastructure investments. The company’s use of sulfur dioxide from zinc and lead smelting provides a cost advantage and reduces exposure to commodity price volatility. This move bolsters domestic supply resilience, especially as South Korea seeks to reduce reliance on foreign materials. With plans to scale to 500,000 tons domestically and establish a 100,000-ton facility in Tennessee by 2030, the company is positioning itself as a key player in global semiconductor material logistics. Competitors may respond with accelerated investments in similar purification technologies, but Korea Zinc’s integrated upstream approach gives it a strategic edge. Over the next 12–24 months, this development will influence global chip production capacity planning and pricing trends, particularly in regions reliant on Korean suppliers.