Korea Zinc to Foster 'AI Talent' Among Employees with Intensive Training in Partnership with UNIST

AI Training Program Launched Ahead of Smart Smelter Initiative
Three-Month Course Prepared for About 300 Employees

Korea Zinc is launching a comprehensive training program to strengthen the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of its executives and employees. The primary goal is to nurture practical talent capable of applying AI technologies directly to the field, in line with the company's ongoing initiative to build a 'smart smelter.'

Group photo of Korea Zinc executives and employees at the 'KZ Connection Ceremony' held on the 1st at Ulsan Electric Convention Center. Korea Zinc

According to industry sources on July 17, Korea Zinc is preparing an intensive AI training course for approximately 300 executives and employees in collaboration with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). The three-month program is designed to enhance participants' overall understanding of AI and to enable them to effectively analyze and utilize data in practical, on-site situations.

Korea Zinc is currently prioritizing the establishment of an 'AI-based smart smelter.' The goal is to implement real-time analysis of process data collected by sensors to predict equipment failures, enable automated integrated control, and optimize energy usage.

This training was planned based on the assessment that, in order to fully utilize such advanced systems, it is essential for field workers to have a fundamental understanding of AI principles and data analysis tools.

Strengthening AI capabilities is also an extension of Korea Zinc's 'talent-centered management' philosophy, which the company has continued to pursue without interruption, even amid recent management disputes and internal and external uncertainties. In fact, Korea Zinc has consistently held in-house programs such as the 'KZ Connection Ceremony' and 'Rookies Day,' where Chairman Choi Yunbum and the management team communicate directly with employees. Leadership development training for team leaders and above is also being conducted on an ongoing basis.

A Korea Zinc representative stated, "Although the details of the program have not yet been finalized, there is a strong consensus within the company on the need for AI training to improve work efficiency." The representative added, "Our aim is to raise employees' understanding of AI and support them in applying it directly to their work." The representative further noted, "While responding to management disputes, we are also striving for balanced management by focusing equally on business development and strengthening competitiveness based on employee growth."