Korea Zinc (010130) achieved record-breaking results last year, marking its 44th consecutive year of operating profit. The company credited improved recovery rates for critical minerals and the successful execution of its "Troika Drive" new business strategy.
Korea Zinc reported preliminary consolidated revenue of 16.58 trillion won and operating profit of 1.23 trillion won for last year, according to a regulatory filing on the 9th. These figures represent year-over-year increases of 37.6% and 70.3% respectively, both all-time highs. The results extend the company's operating profit streak to 44 consecutive years by its own count, and 104 consecutive quarters since quarterly reporting became mandatory in 2000.
Higher recovery rates in critical minerals and precious metals drove the performance. Critical minerals produced by Korea Zinc—including antimony, indium, and bismuth—are essential materials for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense industries. However, with certain countries dominating supply chains, South Korea, the United States, and other nations are increasing collaboration and investment to stabilize supplies.
"We effectively responded to rising demand and prices for related products by improving recovery rates in critical minerals and precious metals," the company said. "Silver, which is gaining importance as a critical mineral, and gold, which has grown in significance due to its asset value, also contributed to improved results."
Investment in building global supply chains for future growth is accelerating. Korea Zinc is currently investing in new facilities at its Onsan smelter for germanium and gallium production. The company is also constructing an integrated smelter in the United States worth approximately $7.4 billion in partnership with the U.S. government.
Korea Zinc assessed that the "Troika Drive" new business initiative, championed by Chairman Choi Yun-beom, is now on track. Pedal Point, the company's U.S. resource recycling subsidiary, achieved its first annual profit last year since its establishment in 2022. Pedal Point preprocesses recyclable resources such as electronic waste for supply to the Onsan smelter and plans to expand into critical mineral and rare earth recovery.
"We plan to successfully lead key domestic and international projects and execute our plans to strengthen future competitiveness without setbacks," a Korea Zinc official said. "As Korea's only critical mineral production base and a pivotal company for global supply chain stabilization, we will continue to expand our responsible role."