LS MnM Copper Cathode Registered as "Grade 1" on New York Commodity Exchange

Top Grade Achieved at One of the World's Three Largest Non-Ferrous Metal Exchanges
Strengthening Domestic Competitiveness and Anticipating New Markets

LS MnM has completed the registration of its copper cathode brands for entry into the North American market.

On May 27, LS MnM announced that its copper cathode brands, "ONSAN I" and "ONSAN II," produced by the company, have been registered as "Grade 1," the highest grade, on the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX). Copper cathode refers to "high-purity copper produced by electrolysis."

New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) trading floor. LS MnM

The New York Commodity Exchange is considered one of the world's three largest non-ferrous metal exchanges, along with the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE), and is among the most active trading venues globally.

LS MnM pursued registration on the New York Commodity Exchange to respond flexibly to changes in the copper cathode market, where uncertainty has grown due to global trade disputes. To be registered as "Grade 1," products must meet the strict chemical and physical standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). LS MnM explained that its copper cathode, with a purity of 99.99%, met all these standards and passed the review.

Previously, LS MnM's copper cathode was registered as "Grade A," the highest grade, on the London Metal Exchange in 2000 and the Shanghai Futures Exchange in 2009, respectively. Through this latest registration, LS MnM expects to strengthen the brand competitiveness of domestically produced copper cathode in the international copper market and to expand into new markets. Currently, the company produces 600,000 tons of copper cathode annually, which accounts for about 95.2% of domestic production, and exports approximately 180,000 tons of this amount.

LS MnM CEO Koo Donghwi said, "By achieving the highest grade registration on the New York Commodity Exchange, we have once again demonstrated our superior technology and quality," adding, "We will continue to enhance the global competitiveness of domestically produced copper cathode."