Korea Zinc has announced its involvement in a government-backed project aimed at developing high-purity nickel sulfate for secondary batteries by 2028. The initiative, part of the “2024 Materials and Components Technology Development Project,” will focus on manufacturing nickel materials from low-purity nickel oxide ore for use in battery production. Korea Zinc will collaborate with 10 academic and research institutions on the effort.
With growing global demand for high-purity nickel sulfate, a key material for secondary batteries, this project is expected to enhance Korea Zinc’s ability to meet carbon regulations in key markets like the U.S. and EU. The project also aims to support a circular economy by developing technologies that reduce greenhouse gases and by-products during production.
The project will have a total budget of 23.98 billion won ($17.86 million), with the South Korean government providing 18.36 billion won in R&D funding over a 54-month period, set to conclude by December 2028.
Korea Zinc plans to utilize hydrogen reduction technology to process unused nickel oxide ore saprolite, producing high-purity nickel sulfate for batteries. Additionally, the company will focus on recycling nickel-containing materials, including plating sludge and by-products from battery manufacturing, as part of its broader circular economy goals. 
