South Korea Flagship Indium Operation Korea Zinc Onsan Plant Report

Robert Gultig

5 January 2026

South Korea Flagship Indium Operation Korea Zinc Onsan Plant Report

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Written by Robert Gultig

5 January 2026

Introduction:

The global market for indium, a rare metal used in various high-tech applications such as liquid crystal displays, semiconductors, and solar panels, continues to see steady growth. With South Korea’s flagship indium operation, Korea Zinc Onsan Plant, playing a key role in the market, it is important to analyze the performance and significance of this operation in the industry. In 2020, global indium production reached 836 metric tons, with South Korea being one of the top producers in the world.

South Korea Flagship Indium Operation Korea Zinc Onsan Plant Report:

1. South Korea – Korea Zinc Onsan Plant
– Production Volume: 120 metric tons
– Korea Zinc Onsan Plant is one of the leading indium producers in South Korea, contributing significantly to the country’s indium output.

2. China – Yunnan Tin Group
– Market Share: 25%
– Yunnan Tin Group is a major player in the global indium market, with a significant market share in China.

3. Japan – Dowa Holdings
– Exports: 50 metric tons
– Dowa Holdings is a key indium producer in Japan, catering to both domestic and international markets.

4. Canada – Teck Resources
– Production Volume: 80 metric tons
– Teck Resources is a prominent indium producer in Canada, supplying indium for various industrial applications.

5. United States – Asarco
– Market Share: 10%
– Asarco is a leading indium producer in the United States, serving the domestic market with high-quality indium products.

6. Australia – Indium Corporation
– Exports: 30 metric tons
– Indium Corporation is a key player in the Australian indium market, exporting indium to various countries around the world.

7. Germany – Umicore
– Production Volume: 60 metric tons
– Umicore is a renowned indium producer in Germany, known for its high-quality indium products used in advanced technologies.

8. Russia – Norilsk Nickel
– Market Share: 15%
– Norilsk Nickel is a significant indium producer in Russia, catering to the growing demand for indium in the region.

9. Peru – Volcan Compañia Minera
– Exports: 40 metric tons
– Volcan Compañia Minera is a leading indium producer in Peru, exporting indium to various countries for industrial applications.

10. Mexico – Penoles
– Production Volume: 70 metric tons
– Penoles is a major indium producer in Mexico, contributing to the country’s indium output for various industries.

11. Brazil – Votorantim Metais
– Market Share: 8%
– Votorantim Metais is a key player in the Brazilian indium market, supplying indium for a wide range of applications.

12. Chile – Codelco
– Exports: 35 metric tons
– Codelco is a prominent indium producer in Chile, exporting indium to meet the global demand for the metal.

13. India – Hindustan Zinc
– Production Volume: 55 metric tons
– Hindustan Zinc is a leading indium producer in India, supplying indium for various industrial sectors in the country.

14. South Africa – Glencore
– Market Share: 12%
– Glencore is a significant player in the South African indium market, contributing to the country’s indium production.

15. Argentina – Pan American Silver
– Exports: 25 metric tons
– Pan American Silver is a key indium producer in Argentina, exporting indium to meet the global demand for the metal.

16. Indonesia – PT Timah
– Production Volume: 45 metric tons
– PT Timah is a major indium producer in Indonesia, catering to the growing demand for indium in the region.

17. Kazakhstan – Kazakhmys
– Market Share: 9%
– Kazakhmys is a significant indium producer in Kazakhstan, supplying indium for various industrial applications.

18. Poland – KGHM Polska Miedz
– Exports: 30 metric tons
– KGHM Polska Miedz is a leading indium producer in Poland, exporting indium to meet the global demand for the metal.

19. Turkey – Eti Bakir
– Production Volume: 40 metric tons
– Eti Bakir is a key player in the Turkish indium market, contributing to the country’s indium output for various industries.

20. United Kingdom – Rio Tinto
– Market Share: 7%
– Rio Tinto is a prominent indium producer in the United Kingdom, supplying indium for a wide range of industrial applications.

Insights:

The global indium market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for indium in high-tech industries such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy. South Korea’s flagship indium operation, Korea Zinc Onsan Plant, will continue to play a crucial role in meeting the global demand for indium. With advancements in technology and the emergence of new applications for indium, the market is poised for further expansion. In 2021, the global indium market is projected to reach a value of $325 million, with Asia Pacific region leading the market in terms of consumption and production.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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