📋 Tender Overview
Scope : To Construct ‘All-in-One Nickel Smelter’ in Ulsan, South Korea
Korea Zinc is constructing an All-in-One Nickel Smelter in Ulsan incorporating state-of-the-art eco-friendly smelting technology.
On Nov. 15, Korea Zinc held a groundbreaking ceremony for the nickel smelter in the Onsan Industrial Complex in Ulju County, Ulsan, which will have an annual production capacity of approximately 42,600 tons.
Once completed, Korea Zinc’s nickel production capacity, including the existing output, will increase to a total of 65,000 tons. This amount is sufficient to produce batteries for 1.6 million electric vehicles.
Korea Zinc, through its sulfuric acid nickel subsidiary KEMCO, is investing a total of 506.3 billion won in the construction of the All-in-One Nickel Smelter. The start of commercial production is scheduled for 2026.
With the construction of this smelter, Korea Zinc will be able to process all types of nickel-containing materials, including nickel matte and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) from oxidized ores. The plant will also produce sulfuric acid nickel, sulfuric acid cobalt, and precursors.
From 2026, when full commercial production begins, the supply of high-purity sulfuric acid nickel, a key material for secondary batteries, will be possible. Notably, the high-purity nickel produced by KEMCO is expected to meet the standards of the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Furthermore, the All-in-One Nickel Smelter will apply a low-carbon method to reduce carbon emissions.
