Korea Zinc Discusses Semiconductor-Grade Sulfuric Acid Supply with Micron, Intel at U.S. Semiconductor Expo

Participates in 'SEMICON West 2026'

Explores local supply cooperation with global semiconductor companies

Plans to build production line at U.S. integrated smelter

Korea Zinc has begun discussions with global semiconductor companies on supplying semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid as it seeks to enter the U.S. semiconductor materials market.

Officials pose for a commemorative photo at Korea Zinc's semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid promotional booth at SEMICON West 2026, held in the United States this month. Korea Zinc

Korea Zinc said on the 29th that it participated in SEMICON West 2026, a semiconductor trade show held in the United States this month, and discussed ways to supply semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid locally with Micron, Intel, GlobalFoundries and other companies.

According to Korea Zinc, Micron expressed support for the company’s plan to build production facilities in the United States. The two companies discussed potential cooperation based on supply conditions such as quality and price, as well as ways to expand their cooperation to key materials such as germanium.

Korea Zinc exchanged views with Intel on product quality and raw material characteristics. The company said Intel had stated that semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid made from smelting-based raw materials would need to undergo quality verification. It added that it plans to consider whether to supply the product based on the results of sample tests of products made at its future U.S. facility.

With GlobalFoundries, Korea Zinc discussed cooperation in the United States, drawing on its existing supply track record in Singapore. The company also explored the possibility of supplying TSMC’s Arizona plant through Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical.

Semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid is a key material used in wafer cleaning and requires high purity and consistent quality. Korea Zinc produces semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid with a purity of 99.9999% or higher by purifying sulfur dioxide generated during zinc and lead smelting.

The company plans to establish a local supply system by building a production line for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid at Project Crucible, its integrated smelter under construction in Tennessee. It will pursue commercialization after completing quality verification for each customer and discussing supply conditions.

A Korea Zinc official said, “We directly confirmed the strong interest and demand among global semiconductor companies for local supply in the United States. We will strengthen our product competitiveness to meet customers’ strict quality standards and establish a stable local supply system to expand our presence in the U.S. semiconductor materials market.”

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