Core Points - Korea Zinc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin for the supply and procurement of germanium, aiming to establish a "China-free" critical minerals supply chain [1][4] - The MOU is significant as it represents the first successful collaboration between Korea and the U.S. in the field of critical rare metals [1][7] - The partnership is expected to enhance the stability of the supply chain for germanium, a crucial material for the defense and space industries [6][9] Company Overview - Korea Zinc is the world's largest zinc smelter and has been a key player in the production of strategic minerals, including antimony, indium, and bismuth [10] - The company plans to invest approximately KRW 140 billion in its Onsan Smelter to establish a new germanium plant, aiming to produce high-purity germanium dioxide by 2028 [9][11] - Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, with a record order backlog of USD 176 billion as of the end of 2024 [5] Industry Context - Germanium is essential for various applications in the defense industry, including night-vision goggles and thermal imaging cameras, as well as in advanced technology fields [6] - As of 2021, China produced 68% of the global refined germanium output, highlighting the need for alternative supply chains amid resource weaponization trends [7][8] - The establishment of stable supply chains for critical minerals has become an urgent international priority due to growing concerns over resource concentration [8]

Nyrstar says it will receive $87 million from Australian governments to prevent the closure of the Port Pirie lead smelter and Hobart zinc works, while it studies a potential expansion aimed at building critical minerals supply chains outside China https://t.co/cvWHh6DNPT ...

Chinese zinc smelters, which account for over half of global supply, face growing pressure to lower run rates as capacity expansion outpaces demand, according to Beijing Antaike Information https://t.co/TT8Ja6TFTH ...