Seoul: Korea Zinc Co. has applied for the designation of its smelting technologies as national core technologies, amid the intensifying battle for control of the world's biggest refined zinc producer, industry sources said Thursday.According to Yonhap News Agency, Korea Zinc recently submitted an application to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to add its hematite production and antimony metal manufacturing technologies to the list of national core and national high-tech strategic technologies. Companies with such designations require government approval in case of an acquisition by a foreign company, safeguarding them for economic and security reasons.The application came a few days after the government listed Korea Zinc's high-nickel precursor manufacturing technology as a national core technology. Korea Zinc has been in a monthslong battle to fend off a takeover bid by a coalition between its largest shareholder, Young Poong Corp., and private equity fund MBK Partners. Both parties have launch ed competing tender offers in an effort to secure voting rights.Korea Zinc's hematite preparation technology from a zinc sulfate solution is a cost-effective and efficient method for recovering iron during zinc smelting. Its antimony metal manufacturing technology reduces air pollutant emissions, while enhancing economic and operational efficiency.
- October 12, 2026
