Gangwon Province Inspects Taebaek's Alternative Industries: "Miracle of the Closed Mines"
Rebirth as a Cutting-Edge Future Resource Cluster... Continued Engagement with Residents
Establishing Clean Methanol Production and a Core Strategic Mineral Cl
Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited Taebaek City on the 24th to inspect the progress of the "Early Mine Closure Area Economic Promotion Project" and to engage with local residents in the project area.
Jin-Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited Taebaek City on the 24th to inspect the progress of the "Early Mine Closure Area Economic Promotion Project." Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
This visit followed the preliminary feasibility study approval on August 20 and the on-site inspection in Dogye-eup, Samcheok on September 3. It was arranged as a follow-up measure to ensure smooth implementation, given the large-scale budget involved.
The total project cost for the Early Mine Closure Area Economic Promotion Project in Taebaek amounts to 354 billion won. The main components include the establishment of a clean methanol production facility on the Jangseong Mining Site, the creation of a core mineral industry complex near the Goteosil Industrial Complex, and the development of a logistics complex and worker housing complex near Cheoram Station.
According to the provincial government and Taebaek City, if the project proceeds as planned, it is expected to generate an economic ripple effect of approximately 1.6408 trillion won and create about 1,400 direct and indirect jobs annually.
In particular, clean methanol is gaining attention as a next-generation clean marine fuel, while the core mineral industry complex aims to establish a foundation for recovering and recycling critical minerals from sources such as waste batteries, which are essential for semiconductors and secondary batteries. Both projects are significant for the national economy and security.
Governor Kim visited the Jangseong Mining Site in Taebaek, where the clean methanol production facility will be built, received a briefing on the business plan from Taebaek City officials, and encouraged those who contributed to passing the preliminary feasibility study.
Taebaek City plans to establish a comprehensive implementation plan within the year, prepare for the local financial investment review, and proceed smoothly with subsequent steps such as design, permitting, and production infrastructure development.
Governor Kim stated, "The place where people once risked their lives to mine coal will now be reborn as a cutting-edge future resource cluster. As soon as the project was confirmed, 7.4 billion won for design costs was swiftly included in the government budget, giving strong momentum to the project."
He added, "Jangseong Mining Site is an area filled with coal stones now free from regulations. We will utilize this resource while also developing the area as a tourism hub, taking advantage of its potential as a prime wellness tourism destination."
Governor Kim also visited the Tantanmauel Square in Jangseong-dong to meet with residents from Jangseong-dong, Gumunso-dong, and Cheoram-dong, the project target areas, and listened to their feedback on local issues and daily inconveniences.
Jin-Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited Taebaek City on the 24th to inspect the progress of the "Early Mine Closure Area Economic Promotion Project." Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
At the meeting, residents requested support for resolving daily inconveniences, including the construction of the Yeongwol-Samcheok Expressway Taebaek Interchange, installation of heated village pathways to ensure the safety of the elderly during heavy snowfall, creation of pedestrian walkways in Cheoram-dong for resident safety, and the installation of a permanent stage to secure space for cultural performances.
Governor Kim said, "As the design process to reflect the location of the Taebaek Interchange will begin next year, we will collect local residents' opinions during the design phase to ensure that the views of Taebaek citizens are fully reflected."
He continued, "Since Taebaek has a large elderly population, I understand the need for installing heated village pathways and creating pedestrian walkways. Once the project plans are submitted, we will actively consider providing support." Regarding the establishment of a cultural performance space, he added, "When project plans are submitted, we will also actively review support to revitalize tourism in Taebaek."
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