Korea Zinc Strengthens Cooperation with Australia on Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Chairman Yoonbum Choi Holds Consecutive Meetings with Key Australian Government Officials
Expanding Cooperation on Energy Transition

Korea Zinc is strengthening cooperation with the Australian government in the critical minerals supply chain. Chairman Yoonbum Choi recently met with both the Prime Minister of Australia and the Premier of Queensland to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chain and energy transition, according to an announcement made on June 29.

Chairman Choi Yunbeom of Korea Zinc (left) and David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland, Australia, pose for a commemorative photo after their meeting at the Queensland Parliament House on the 26th. Korea Zinc

According to Korea Zinc, Chairman Choi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on June 24, followed by a meeting with David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland, on June 26, continuing efforts to enhance cooperation with the Australian government.

During a meeting held at Queensland Parliament House on June 26, Premier Crisafulli stated, "Sun Metals Corporation (SMC) is an important asset and exemplary company for Queensland. Korea Zinc has been a trusted partner, contributing to the local economy and community." He added, "Expanding cooperation with Korea Zinc is an important priority for the state government as well."

Premier Crisafulli also mentioned that Queensland is discussing ways to cooperate on critical minerals with the U.S. government and expressed his desire to explore various collaboration opportunities with Korea Zinc, which is pursuing the 'Project Crucible,' an integrated critical minerals smelter project in the United States.

Chairman Choi stated, "I appreciate the continued support from the Queensland government and local communities," and added, "Korea Zinc and SMC will do our utmost to contribute to the industrial development of Queensland and Australia, the establishment of a critical minerals supply chain, and the energy transition going forward."

Both sides also exchanged views on expanding SMC's production of critical minerals, cooperation with mining and smelting companies in Queensland, and measures to strengthen Australia's critical minerals supply chain.

Korea Zinc established SMC in Townsville, Queensland, Australia in 1996 and has operated the largest zinc smelter in Australia for nearly 30 years. Recently, the company has expanded into renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, further strengthening cooperation with local governments.

From 2014 to 2019, Chairman Choi served as CEO of SMC for about five years, overseeing smelter operations and improving productivity and profitability. Since becoming chairman of Korea Zinc, he has been pursuing wind power, solar energy, energy storage systems (BESS), and green hydrogen as core businesses under the company's future growth strategy called 'Troika Drive.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.