Yoon-Bum Choi: "Let's Create a Korea-Chile Critical Minerals Cooperation Model to Lead Carbon Neutrality"

Attended the Korea-Chile Business Round Table
Outlined Directions for Future Industrial Cooperation
"If the Two Countries Join Forces, a Carbon Neutrality Model is Possible"

Yoon-Bum Choi, Chairman of Korea Zinc, attended the Korea-Chile Business Round Table held during President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Chile and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the two countries in critical mineral supply chains and clean energy sectors.

On the 30th (local time), a Korea-Chile Business Round Table held under the chairmanship of President Lee Jae Myung is taking place at a hotel in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Korea Zinc on July 31, Chairman Choi stated at the business round table held in Santiago, Chile, on July 30 (local time), "If Korea and Chile join forces, they can create a cooperative model that not only ensures a stable supply chain for critical minerals but also takes the lead together in the era of carbon neutrality."

This event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, and organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chilean industrial association SOFOFA. President Lee Jae-myung, along with key government officials and leading figures from the business circles of both countries, attended to discuss cooperation plans for the critical minerals supply chain, advanced industries, and eco-friendly energy.

Chairman Choi commented, "Chile is a world powerhouse in mineral resources and has a competitive edge in renewable energy such as solar and wind power," adding, "It is very meaningful to be able to discuss future cooperation plans between Korea and Chile together."

He also highlighted the growth potential of South America by sharing his experience working at a subsidiary in Peru. Choi further explained that he was inspired by solar energy projects in Chile while working at the SMC smelter in Australia, which led to the completion of a 124 MW solar power plant, Australia's largest at the time, in 2018.

He noted, "I remember Chile as a country that provided deep inspiration for my business," and continued, "Currently, our Australian subsidiary Arc Energy is expanding its green energy business, encompassing solar and wind power, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and green hydrogen."

Chairman Choi emphasized, "Chile possesses both critical minerals and clean energy, while Korea has strong capabilities in smelting, batteries, and hydrogen technology. Korea Zinc will continue to expand cooperation with Chile not only in critical minerals, but also across the future energy industry, including BESS and green hydrogen."

Meanwhile, Korea Zinc is pursuing the construction of an integrated smelter project in Tennessee, USA, and is establishing germanium and gallium recovery processes at its Onsan Smelter in Ulsan, aiming for commercial production by 2028. In addition, the company is pushing ahead with its 'Troika Drive' strategy, which focuses on renewable energy and green hydrogen, resource circulation, and secondary battery materials.

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