Korea Zinc and Lockheed Martin have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals supply chain, focusing on germanium. The deal comes amid ongoing economic security discussions between South Korea and the United States aimed at reducing reliance on China.
Under the agreement, Korea Zinc will supply germanium smelted from its mining and production operations. Lockheed Martin is expected to pursue an off-take agreement, giving it priority rights to purchase output from the South Korean company. The partnership applies to Lockheed’s global operations, excluding China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
Korea Zinc plans to invest $100.9 million to expand its Onsan Smelter in Ulsan and build a germanium plant to support the deal. The facility is scheduled for trial operations in 2027 and will produce high-purity germanium dioxide, equal to about 10 tons of germanium metal annually.
“As a company representing Korea’s key industries, stabilizing the supply chain for critical minerals is a highly important strategic task for both the government and the private sector,” a Korea Zinc representative said. “Through this MOU with Lockheed Martin, we aim to strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and the United States while contributing to private-sector cooperation on economic security.”
Choi Yoon-beom, chairman of Korea Zinc, led the Korean delegation during the signing ceremony held in Washington on Monday. They were joined by Michael Williamson, president of Lockheed Martin International.
Germanium, a critical mineral in defense technologies, is used in night vision goggles, thermal imaging cameras and infrared detectors. It is also vital in fiber optic cables, superconductors and light-emitting diodes.
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