Korea Zinc's manufacturing technology related to nickel sulfate has been included in the national strategic technology list.
Korea Zinc noted on the 17th that its technology for the production and processing of 'metal compounds for cathode materials' related to nickel sulfate has newly been included as a national strategic technology. National strategic technology is recognized for its strategic importance in terms of diplomacy and security and its significant impact on the national economy and related industries. It is designated after a review by relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance if it is recognized as the basis for future innovation, such as the creation of new technologies or new industries.
The nickel sulfate manufacturing technology, one of the 'metal compounds for cathode materials,' is Korea Zinc's unique technology for producing metal chemical substances that are key materials for secondary batteries. It is evaluated that it has laid the groundwork for reducing dependency on China and securing competitiveness in the secondary battery supply chain.
Following the designation of national strategic technology, Korea Zinc can receive benefits such as tax credits from the government. Korea Zinc has invested 500 billion won in the world's only all-in-one nickel refining plant. The company expects to benefit from investment tax credits on income tax or corporate tax starting in 2026 when the plant becomes fully operational, and anticipates cost savings of around 80 to 90 billion won.
Korea Zinc has now acquired all three types of technology: national core technology, national advanced strategic technology, and national strategic technology. In November of last year, core material technology for secondary batteries, known as precursor technology, was designated as both national core technology and national advanced strategic technology.
A representative from Korea Zinc stated that they will ensure the protection of the company and its shareholders so that core technologies do not become a means for speculative private equity funds to recover profits or are leaked abroad, particularly to China, amid hostile merger and acquisition (M&A) attempts from MBK Partners and Youngpoong.