KEMCO to Raise Annual Semiconductor-Grade Sulfuric Acid Production Capacity to 320,000 Tons

[Financial News] KEMCO is moving to strengthen the supply chain for ultra-high-purity sulfuric acid for semiconductors, one of the essential materials used in the semiconductor industry. The move is intended to proactively respond to the operation of new production facilities by major semiconductor manufacturers amid increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. KEMCO announced on the 2nd that it had completed the expansion of Production Lines 20 and 21 for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid at its Onsan Refinery in Ulsan and had begun operations. With the two production lines securing approximately 40,000 tons of additional annual capacity, KEMCO’s semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production capacity has increased from 280,000 tons to 320,000 tons per year.
Semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid is a key material in the cleaning process, which removes organic matter and microscopic contaminants from wafer surfaces during semiconductor manufacturing.
KEMCO supplies more than approximately 60% of domestic demand for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid. About 95% of its output is supplied to major semiconductor manufacturers in South Korea, while its products are also supplied to semiconductor manufacturers overseas, including those in Japan and Singapore.
KEMCO produces six-nine (6N)-grade ultra-high-purity semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid with a purity of at least 99.9999% by recovering and refining sulfur dioxide (SO2) generated during the zinc and lead smelting process through multiple stages.
KEMCO plans to gradually expand its semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production capacity to up to 500,000 tons in line with the expansion schedules of domestic semiconductor manufacturers. The company is also considering building a semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production line with an annual capacity of approximately 100,000 tons at its integrated smelter in Tennessee, United States, which is being developed with test operations targeted for 2029 and commercial production for 2030.
A KEMCO official said, "Through this expansion, we will respond in a timely manner to the operation of new production facilities and increased production by our major domestic customers." 
[email protected] Kim Mi-hee Reporter