Korea Zinc announced on the 10th that it is the only domestic producer of indium, bismuth, and tellurium among the strategic mineral items subject to export control measures implemented by China’s Ministry of Commerce, providing a stable supply. It noted that when the administration of Donald Trump imposed tariffs on bismuth from China, imports of bismuth from Korea also increased, stating, "Korea Zinc's position in the U.S. market will be further strengthened."
Korea Zinc exports a significant portion of some restricted minerals to the U.S. A substantial amount of the annual 150 tons of indium supplied to the world market by Korea Zinc is exported to the U.S. The 150 tons of indium accounts for about 11% of the global annual demand. From 2020 to 2023, Korea accounted for 23% of the U.S. bismuth imports, ranking second after China (67%). Korea Zinc has also been producing 100 to 200 tons of tellurium annually, but demand for alternatives to Chinese products is expected to rise due to this control measure.
Indium is used in LCD displays, touchscreens, semiconductor substrates, aircraft engines, and solar panels. Bismuth is a metal used in vehicle transmission components and high-temperature superconducting materials. Tellurium is used in manufacturing solar cells, thermoelectric materials, capacitors, and automotive parts.
There is a high appreciation for the importance of Korea Zinc in the United States as well. Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Congressman who serves as co-chair of the Critical Materials Caucus, sent a letter to the State Department in December last year stating, "Korea Zinc is essential to protect the (U.S.) critical mineral supply chain from China's influence."
A representative from Korea Zinc stated, "With the export controls on core minerals from China, the role of Korea Zinc in the global supply chain has become even more important. We will do our utmost to leap forward as a key player that supports the industrial base while emphasizing national interests and strengthening resource security."