Choi Yoon-bum, chairman of Korea Zinc, emphasized the need for cooperation between South Korea and Chile in the key mineral supply chain and clean energy sectors during the 'Korea-Chile Business Roundtable' held in conjunction with President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Chile.
On July 31, Korea Zinc reported that Choi stated, "If South Korea and Chile join forces, we can create the most exemplary cooperation model that leads the carbon-neutral era beyond a stable key mineral supply chain."
He added, "Chile is not only a global powerhouse in mineral resources but is also emerging as a leader in global green energy, thanks to its abundant solar and wind resources. I am honored to participate in this meaningful discussion on future cooperation between South Korea and Chile."
Choi also highlighted the significant impact of Chile's solar industry on the development of Korea Zinc's eco-friendly energy initiatives. He recounted how, during his tenure as president of the Australian zinc smelter SMC, he learned from an article in The Economist about Chile's large-scale solar power achieving world-class price competitiveness amid rising electricity costs.
He noted, "Today, Chile is one of the few countries in the world that possesses both key minerals and clean energy. South Korea has world-class manufacturing technology and capabilities in smelting, battery, and hydrogen industries."
Choi expressed Korea Zinc's commitment to leading the establishment of a key mineral supply chain centered around South Korea, stating, "We aim to expand our cooperation with Chile not only in key minerals but also across the future energy sectors, including BESS and green hydrogen. The future that South Korea and Chile will create together will be a new partnership that goes beyond mere resource cooperation to sustainable growth and the clean energy era."
A representative from Korea Zinc remarked, "Chairman Choi, drawing on his experience leading Korea Zinc's transition to eco-friendly energy inspired by Chile's solar power success, has outlined the direction for economic cooperation between South Korea and Chile. Korea Zinc will actively seek business collaboration opportunities utilizing its key mineral smelting technology from the Onsan smelter and its accumulated capabilities in renewable energy, BESS, and green hydrogen in Australia."
Meanwhile, the Korea-Chile Business Roundtable, held in Santiago, Chile, was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chilean Industrial Association (SOFOFA) overseeing the event. President Lee and key figures from both governments and the business sectors attended to discuss agendas including key minerals, advanced industries, digital technology, green energy, and trade expansion.
Additionally, Korea Zinc has decided to hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on September 9 to elect one separate audit committee member and four independent directors.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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