Korea Zinc: "MBK Partners and Youngpoong Should Join Efforts to Achieve Sustainable Growth and Enhance Corporate Value"

[Financial News] Korea Zinc said it will focus on improving its governance, strengthening critical-mineral supply chains and pursuing future growth businesses. The company also asked MBK Partners and Youngpoong, its counterparts in the management control dispute, to join efforts to enhance corporate value over the long term as major shareholders.
In a statement issued on the 28th, Korea Zinc said, "We understand the broad support and trust shown by shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting on Sept. 9 as a call to continue responsible management, enhance corporate value and achieve sustainable growth, while continuously developing our governance structure."
It added, "We will listen more carefully to the voices of all shareholders and continuously address areas where we fall short. We will remain firmly committed to executing our future growth strategy, sustainably enhancing corporate value and advancing our governance structure."
Korea Zinc emphasized the need for cooperation with MBK Partners and Youngpoong. "Even if our views differ, we believe we can engage in sufficient discussion and cooperate around the shared goals of the company's long-term development and the interests of all shareholders," the company said.
It added, "We expect MBK Partners and Youngpoong, as major shareholders, to join us in pursuing Korea Zinc's sustainable growth, enhancing its corporate value and creating a better future for the company."
Korea Zinc also highlighted the growing importance of securing critical minerals amid the recent reorganization of global supply chains. The company explained, "Maintaining a stable production base and global competitiveness, while proactively building future supply chains, is an important task not only for the company's growth but also for national industrial competitiveness." 
To this end, the company will continue pursuing its 'Troika Drive,' which includes secondary-battery materials, resource recycling and renewable energy, based on the competitiveness of its existing smelting business. Through Project Crucible, which is currently underway in the United States, Korea Zinc plans to expand its role in critical-mineral supply chains in major markets, including the U.S., while securing a global business base and new growth engines.
Korea Zinc will also continue its efforts to improve governance. At the earlier extraordinary general meeting, all three agenda items—including the appointment of Baek In-gyu as a member of the audit committee and the appointment of Lee Hyeong-gyu, Seo Eun-sook, Lee Jun-bong and Shim Hye-seop as independent directors—were approved. The company said it has pursued governance improvements by appointing an independent director as board chair, introducing a board skills matrix and adopting independent board evaluations by external professional organizations.
[email protected] Jung Won-il Reporter