Chairman Choi Yoon-beom of Korea Zinc Holds Exclusive Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Investment

Formed TF Including Indonesian Vice Minister for Nickel Securing and Recycling Collaboration
Chairman Choi Readily Accepts Request to Visit Korea Zinc Onsan Smelter

Choi Yoon-beom, Chairman of Korea Zinc, held a private meeting with Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment of Indonesia, in Jakarta, Indonesia on the 6th. The two discussed four key areas: ▲ collaboration on nickel raw material sourcing (purchase of MHP/Matte from mines) ▲ introduction of Korea Zinc's high-pressure leaching technology ▲ recycling cooperation including used batteries and scrap ▲ promotion of regular meetings.

First, regarding the selection of mining partners capable of providing stable nickel supply for the 'All-in-One Nickel Refinery' that Korea Zinc plans to start constructing within the year, a task force (TF) will be formed between the Indonesian Investment Ministry and Korea Zinc to collaborate on raw material sourcing. Korea Zinc will also provide a detailed introduction of its patented high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) technology (a process that recovers valuable metals such as nickel under high temperature and pressure) to the Indonesian Investment Ministry in the future.

The Indonesian Investment Ministry expressed interest in Korea Zinc's recycling technology and its battery scrap recycling business, requesting active cooperation from Korea Zinc in handling scrap generated in Indonesia going forward. As a follow-up to the business cooperation, a task force including vice-minister level officials will be formed to hold regular meetings and report progress regularly to the Indonesian Investment Minister.

Chairman Choi requested that the Investment Minister visit Korea Zinc’s Onsan refinery during his future visit to Korea, to which Minister Bahlil Lahadalia readily agreed.

On the 6th in Jakarta, Indonesia, Choi Yoon-beom, Chairman of Korea Zinc (far right), is having a conversation with Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment of Indonesia (far left).
[Photo by Ministry of Investment, Indonesia]

Additionally, on the 7th, Chairman Choi attended the Korea-Indonesia Business Roundtable jointly hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he shared various opinions. He first expressed gratitude, saying, "In these turbulent times of increasing nickel price volatility and anticipated supply chain restructuring, I thank the presidents and officials of both countries for timely creating a platform for economic cooperation between Korea and Indonesia."

He continued, "Korea Zinc, the world’s number one non-ferrous metals company, launched a forest restoration project in Lombok Province, Indonesia, in June, despite no direct business relevance yet," emphasizing, "We are a company that not only possesses world-leading technology but also cares for the environment and coexists with local communities."

Chairman Choi stated, "Korea Zinc, which recently declared its entry into the nickel refining business, aims to maintain a close and friendly partnership with the Indonesian government and companies," adding, "Through cooperation in raw material procurement and processing technology, we hope to grow together as a trusted partner capable of linking the Indonesian mining industry with the electric vehicle market and providing technical support."

Leveraging the meeting between Chairman Choi and the Indonesian Investment Minister, Korea Zinc plans to accelerate the establishment of the 'nickel value chain' connecting nickel ore, nickel refining, and precursor production. Through the All-in-One Nickel Refinery, which integrates the world’s top refining technology, Korea Zinc aims to further strengthen its position as a ‘global nickel top-tier’ company.

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