Korea Zinc’s factory in Ulsan is scheduled to begin gallium production in 2028. Photo courtesy of Korea Zinc
Non-ferrous metal giant Korea Zinc said it plans to build a gallium recovery facility in the country to manufacture the critical raw material beginning in 2028.
Toward that end, the company plans to invest $39 million in its Ulsan factory, about 190 miles southeast of Seoul. Its yearly gallium capacity is expected to reach 15.5 tons.
The announcement Sunday came at a time when the United States and China remain at odds after Beijing tightened export controls on rare earth elements early this month.
Although gallium, a key material used in semiconductors and light-emitting diodes, is not a rare earth element, it is classified as a “critical mineral” by Washington and Seoul, according to Korea Zinc.
Global gallium production reached about 762 tons in 2024, with China accounting for up to 98.7% of that.
Korea Zinc said that the new facility would also boost its annual indium output by more than 16 tons. Last year, it produced 150 tons of indium, which is vital for chipmaking and renewable energy industries, for a global market share of 11% against China’s 70%.
Gallium and indium can be recovered as by-products of zinc refining.
Korea Zinc said that the significance of strategic minerals has grown because of China’s export restrictions and instability in the global supply chain.
“As Korea’s only strategic mineral hub, Korea Zinc will enhance technological self-sufficiency and contribute to supply chain stability through continued investment and technological advancement,” it said in a statement.
This is not the first time Korea Zinc has put forth efforts to build a supply chain of critical minerals independent of Chinese influence.
In August, the world’s largest zinc manufacturer signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S.-based Lockheed Martin to supply germanium to the , another critical mineral. to the defense contractor.
