Korea Zinc showcases high-purity sulfuric acid supply capabilities

Explores supply cooperation with global chipmakers

Accelerates push into US semiconductor materials market

Korea Zinc participates in SEMICON West 2026, a major global semiconductor industry exhibition held in the United States this month, to discuss cooperation with global chipmakers. [Korea Zinc]
Korea Zinc participates in SEMICON West 2026, a major global semiconductor industry exhibition held in the United States this month, to discuss cooperation with global chipmakers. [Korea Zinc]

Korea Zinc said Thursday it had laid the groundwork for entering the US semiconductor materials market by participating in SEMICON West 2026, a major global semiconductor industry exhibition held in the United States this month, and discussing cooperation with leading chipmakers.

At the exhibition, Korea Zinc held meetings with major global semiconductor companies and related firms — including Micron, Intel and GlobalFoundries — to explore the possibility of supplying semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid locally in the United States and to discuss potential cooperation.

A large number of semiconductor-related companies, logistics firms and industry partners visited the Korea Zinc booth, showing strong interest. Attendees responded positively in particular to Korea Zinc's plans to enter the US market and its potential to supply semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid locally.

Through one-on-one meetings with key customers, Korea Zinc confirmed US demand for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid and reviewed supply conditions, holding concrete discussions on the possibility of future product supply cooperation.

With Micron, which is building semiconductor production facilities in Idaho and New York, Korea Zinc discussed local supply arrangements for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid. Micron expressed a favorable view of Korea Zinc's plans to establish a US production facility. The two sides agreed to review cooperation prospects based on supply conditions including quality and price, and also discussed expanding the scope of collaboration beyond semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid to key materials such as germanium.

Korea Zinc also explored the possibility of supplying TSMC's semiconductor production facility in Arizona. The meeting focused on a supply cooperation arrangement through Sumitomo Chemical. Korea Zinc said it plans to continue discussions with relevant companies to pursue semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid supply opportunities in the United States.

An aerial view of Korea Zinc's Onsan smelter. [Korea Zinc]
An aerial view of Korea Zinc's Onsan smelter. [Korea Zinc]

Korea Zinc also discussed local supply possibilities with Intel, which operates semiconductor production facilities in Arizona and Oregon and is pursuing construction of a new factory in Ohio. The two companies exchanged views on product quality and raw material characteristics. Intel noted the need to verify the quality of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid produced from smelting-based raw materials, and said it plans to review a potential supply arrangement based on sample test results for products manufactured locally in the United States.

Korea Zinc also explored expanded cooperation with GlobalFoundries, which has a semiconductor production facility in New York. GlobalFoundries responded positively to the prospect of cooperation in the US market, citing Korea Zinc's existing supply track record in Singapore, and the two sides agreed to continue discussions toward local supply.

With Taiwan's Kanto-PPC, Korea Zinc discussed existing supply cooperation arrangements for TSMC and explored ways to expand its supply track record and customer base in preparation for entering the US market.

Semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid is a key material used in wafer cleaning and other semiconductor manufacturing processes, requiring a high level of purity and quality stability. Securing a stable supply chain while meeting stringent quality standards is essential to the reliable operation of semiconductor production facilities.

Korea Zinc plans to build a local production and supply system in the United States under "Project Crucible," its initiative to enter the US market, and to expand business opportunities with global chipmakers. The company produces ultra-high-purity sulfuric acid with a purity of 99.9999 percent or higher by refining sulfur dioxide (SO₂) generated during its zinc and lead smelting process. Korea Zinc also plans to establish a semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production line at the integrated US smelter it is pursuing.

"This exhibition was a meaningful occasion that allowed us to directly confirm the strong interest and demand among global semiconductor companies for locally supplied semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid in the United States," a Korea Zinc official said. "Through discussions with key customers, we were able to communicate our technological capabilities and supply capacity, while laying a practical foundation for our future entry into the US market."

"Going forward, we will continue to secure product competitiveness that meets our customers' stringent quality standards, build a stable local supply system, and expand our presence in the US semiconductor materials market," the official added.

Meanwhile, Korea Zinc's 2025 Sustainability Report recently won the gold award in the sustainability report — Korea category of the online annual report section at the 2026 Galaxy Awards, an international public relations and marketing competition.

Korea Zinc said it will continue to strengthen its sustainability management capabilities and transparently disclose its performance and challenges through the sustainability report, deepening trust-based communication with stakeholders.


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