Korea's top supplier of electronic‑grade sulfuric acid plans major capacity expansion
US plant to add 100,000 tons, targeting CHIPS Act–backed fabs
Korea Zinc is ramping up production of ultra‑high‑purity sulfuric acid used in semiconductor wafer cleaning, aiming to strengthen its role in global chip supply chains. The company already covers about 60% of Korea's demand and produces around 280,000 tons a year at its Onsan smelter, with capacity set to rise to 320,000 tons in the second half and a medium‑term target of 500,000 tons.
Unlike many rivals that rely on sulfur from oil refining, Korea Zinc makes its acid from sulfur dioxide generated in zinc and lead smelting, reducing exposure to crude‑linked price swings and Middle East–related supply risks. The company says its electronic‑grade product, used in cleaning steps that account for roughly one‑third of wafer‑processing, achieves a purity level of at least 99.9999%. It supplies about 95% of its output to Korean chipmakers and exports the remainder to Japan and Singapore.
Abroad, Korea Zinc plans to add about 100,000 tons of annual capacity at an integrated smelter under development in Tennessee, scheduled to start test runs around 2029. The new line will target semiconductor plants being built in the US under the CHIPS and Science Act, as chipmakers expand capacity for AI and data‑center workloads. Market researchers expect electronic‑grade sulfuric acid demand to grow at a mid‑ to high‑single‑digit pace into the early 2030s, suggesting the extra capacity will feed into a structurally expanding niche.
By Min Byung-kwun, KDFN
kdf＠kdfnews.com
Source_ⓒKorea Zinc
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