Korea Zinc announced on August 13 that its subsidiary KZAM has begun mass production of battery copper foil since June, supplying it to global battery manufacturers. This marks a significant achievement for the secondary battery materials business, which has been nurtured by Chairman Choi Yoon-bum as a future growth driver.
KZAM expects to generate sales of up to 40 billion won from this supply. The battery copper foil, made by rolling copper into thin sheets, serves as a key material for the anode current collector in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). It impacts the battery's energy density, charging performance, and lifespan.
A representative from Korea Zinc stated, "With this supply of battery copper foil, KZAM anticipates sales of up to 40 billion won. We plan to continue efforts to stabilize production, improve yield, and secure new customers to enhance our operational efficiency and performance."
The battery copper foil supplied by KZAM is expected to be used in batteries produced in North America. Additionally, the company’s U.S. resource recycling subsidiary, Pedal Point, will recycle secondary materials at the Onsan smelter to produce 100% eco-friendly copper, which KZAM will process into copper foil for the battery supply chain.
A Korea Zinc official remarked, "This supply represents a crucial starting point for KZAM's entry into the global battery supply chain and signifies that the new battery materials business we have pursued is beginning to yield tangible results. We will continue to expand our differentiated battery materials business based on our world-class smelting technology and resource recycling competitiveness."
Meanwhile, KZAM plans to invest 735.6 billion won in expanding its copper foil production facilities by the end of 2027.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.