On June 2, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 19th Non-Ferrous Metals Day ceremony at the LSMnM Onsan smelter, attended by key figures including Yang Gi-wook, head of the Industrial Resource Security Office, Do Seok-gu, president of the Non-Ferrous Metals Association, and Cho Si-young, chairman of the Korea Copper and Metal Industry Cooperative.
Non-Ferrous Metals Day commemorates the first melting of copper ore at the Janghang smelter. The ministry has hosted this event since 2008, marking the 90th anniversary of the initial production this year.
During the ceremony, 18 individuals were recognized for their contributions to the non-ferrous metals industry, receiving awards including one presidential citation, two prime ministerial citations, and 15 ministerial citations. Jo In-rae, team leader at LSMnM, received the presidential citation for significantly increasing the smelting of copper concentrate and scrap through equipment improvements and process optimization, contributing to supply chain stabilization.
Last month, non-ferrous metal exports surged by 41.5% year-on-year, reaching $16.7 billion, reflecting growing demand. The demand for copper and aluminum has risen due to expansions in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, with raw material prices also increasing, resulting in 12 consecutive months of export growth.
The non-ferrous metals industry relies heavily on imported raw materials, making supply chain stability crucial for competitiveness. As this sector evolves into a strategic industry that underpins advanced manufacturing, effective supply chain management becomes essential.
In response, the government plans to enhance the non-ferrous metals industry by expanding public stockpiles, diversifying raw material procurement for a stable supply chain, developing high-value materials and recycling technologies linked to demand industries, and addressing trade uncertainties.
Yang Gi-wook stated, "The non-ferrous metals industry is the foundation of South Korea's manufacturing sector and a key asset for the future. I appreciate the efforts of those in the non-ferrous metals industry for driving export growth and strengthening industrial competitiveness despite challenging domestic and international conditions, including U.S. tariff policies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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