Youngpoong's Seokpo Refinery has demonstrated the results of its extensive environmental investments over the years, as public water quality data shows. Major heavy metals are virtually undetectable in the Nakdong River system surrounding the refinery, and overall water quality remains at a clean level.
According to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment's water quality information system on July 28, the water quality at the Seokpo 1 to Seokpo 4 monitoring points near the refinery recorded satisfactory levels for both major heavy metals and water quality indicators. Monitoring stations are located upstream at Seokpo 1 and downstream at Seokpo 2, 3, and 4.
On May 14, monitoring stations Seokpo 2 to 4 downstream from the refinery reported that cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, and copper were all below detection limits. This means the levels are lower than the minimum concentration that measurement equipment can quantitatively confirm.
Key indicators of water quality were also favorable. The dissolved oxygen (DO) level at Seokpo 2 was recorded at 10.1 mg/L, indicating a 'very good' status, while the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was 2.2 mg/L and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 5.5 mg/L, confirming overall clean water quality. Similar results were observed at the Seokpo 3 and 4 monitoring stations downstream.
Since establishing its 'Environmental Improvement Innovation Plan' in 2019, Youngpoong has invested approximately 540 billion won in environmental initiatives through the end of 2025. The company has focused on reducing pollutants, improving water quality, and establishing eco-friendly processes with annual investments of around 100 billion won.
A notable example is the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system, introduced in 2021 as the first of its kind in the world for a smelter. The ZLD system, built with an investment of 46 billion won, is an eco-friendly facility that reuses all process wastewater without discharging it externally. Youngpoong has also registered a patent for the ZLD technology.
The ZLD system can process up to 4,000 cubic meters of process water daily, currently reusing an average of 2,000 to 2,500 cubic meters, effectively reducing annual river water intake by about 880,000 cubic meters.
Additionally, the company has installed large-scale groundwater diffusion prevention facilities around the refinery and has implemented strict management of a separate rainwater storage facility that retains all initial rainfall up to 80 mm, compared to the regulatory standard of 5 mm, for reuse as process water. This effectively prevents any pollutants from being discharged into the Nakdong River system.
These environmental improvement efforts have also led to changes in the ecosystem. Recently, the presence of otters, a critically endangered species, has been continuously confirmed in the Nakdong River near the Seokpo Refinery, indicating a stable river ecosystem.
A representative from Youngpoong stated, "The results of our environmental investments are being confirmed through objective data and the local ecological environment. We will continue to invest in eco-friendly facilities and enhance environmental management to create a sustainable refinery that coexists with the local community."
Youngpoong established the Seokpo Refinery in 1970 in Bonghwa County, Gyeongbuk, as Korea's first modern zinc smelter. For over 50 years, the Seokpo Refinery has been a key production base driving the development of the domestic non-ferrous metal industry. Based on the smelting technology and expertise accumulated here, Youngpoong founded Korea Zinc in 1974 and has supported its growth as the largest shareholder.
On July 20, Youngpoong announced the publication of its '2025 Sustainability Management Report,' which summarizes specific achievements and future strategies across the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) areas.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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