Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter faces closure threats amid massive soil contamination

Environmental contamination at the Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter has been found to be significantly more extensive than previously estimated by authorities. Recent data reveals that an additional 125,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil has been identified beyond the original administrative orders. In certain areas, such as the copper intermediate product (copper spice) storage site, the volume of contaminated soil exceeded initial estimates by more than four times.

Despite a first purification order issued in 2015, the overall completion rate for soil remediation stands at only 53.6% as of July 2026. While some areas have received completion certification from Bonghwa County, other sections, including Plant 2 and surrounding regions, show very low progress. The delay has been attributed to requests for extensions, administrative litigation, and disputes over responsibility for specific pollutants like arsenic.

The crisis has expanded into legal and financial sectors. The Financial Services Commission recently imposed a record fine of approximately 20.47 billion won on Youngpoong for allegedly underreporting liabilities related to soil and groundwater purification between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has launched a reinvestigation into potential violations of environmental crime and soil conservation laws.

In response to the ongoing situation, political figures and government officials are calling for stricter measures. The Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment indicated that if the contamination threatens the Nakdong River drinking water supply, the government may implement its strongest measure: a suspension of business operations or factory closure.