Korea Zinc Co.’s smelting technologies are moving closer to being designated as national core technologies, with a decision expected in April.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday, its steel expert committee is reviewing whether to grant national core technology status to Korea Zinc’s smelting processes.
If the committee reaches a conclusion by mid-April, the case will then proceed to the ministry’s trade security bureau, with the final designation anticipated in May or June.
Korea Zinc applied for the designation in November 2024, seeking recognition for two smelting technologies: an antimony metal manufacturing process using diaphragm electrolysis and a hematite production method from zinc sulfate solution.
This follows the government’s earlier classification of high-nickel precursor manufacturing technology for secondary batteries as a national core technology. Korea Zinc’s move is seen as an effort to block Young Poong Group and MBK Partners Ltd. from pursuing the company’s division and sale amid an ongoing management dispute.
Companies holding national core technologies are subject to government oversight in foreign mergers and acquisitions.
By Shin Yoo-geoung and Chang Iou-chung
[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]
