Sun Metals makes a green future in Townsville

The Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc (the world’s largest zinc producer, supplying 8.9% of the world’s zinc) has committed to a bright, green future in Townsville.

Sun Metals Corporation has been a pillar of the Townsville community for almost 30 years and is the city’s largest private-sector employer, with a 450-strong team.

Now Sun Metals is looking to a bright future, with a $455 million refinery expansion, $7 million robotics project, integrated solar farm and new green hydrogen facility.

The company will use cutting-edge robotics technology to help increase zinc recovery to 97% and production to 300,000 tonnes – making it the world’s seventh-largest zinc refinery and one of the most environmentally friendly.

Sun Metals is also the first major refinery in the world to join the RE100 initiative, under which major businesses commit to using only renewable energy. Aligning with this commitment, Sun Metals announced in late 2020 that they would build a renewable hydrogen facility alongside their zinc refinery.

Sun Metals CEO Kiwon Park said Trade and Investment Queensland had been part of the company’s journey.

Trade and Investment Queensland has been a long-term supporter of Korea Zinc and Sun Metals, assisting us with our various businesses, including our $455 million expansion project,’ he said.

‘As we expand into renewable energy, we hope to continue working closely with Trade and Investment Queensland to build a sustainable hydrogen manufacturing and export hub in Townsville, with the goal of becoming a leading hydrogen exporter to Korea and broader Asia.’