Citizens' group criticizes: "Even if Yeongpo Smelter is estimated to contribute up to 95.2% of cadmium pollution, remedial measures are insufficient"

*This content was translated by AI.

Pressure from citizens' groups and authorities continues against Yeongpo Smelter. The 'Yeongpo Smelter Cadmium Pollution and Residents' Health Joint Countermeasures Committee (hereinafter the Committee)' held a press conference on the 14th in front of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials at the Gwacheon Government Complex.

According to the Committee, on May 5, 2022, the Ministry of Environment publicly released research findings through an official press statement regarding Yeongpo Smelter's contribution to cadmium and zinc contamination in sediments upstream of the Nakdong River and at Andong Dam. Despite this, the Committee asserts that nearly four years have passed without any substantive remedial or restoration measures targeting the pollution source.

At that time, the Ministry of Environment explained that the estimated contribution rate was calculated using isotope analysis and other methods, and noted that some data relied on literature reviews, leading to differing views on the research methodology.

Kim Soo-dong, Co-chairperson of the Andong Environmental Movement Alliance who read the press statement that day, stated: "Previously, the Ministry of Environment commissioned 'Water Quality and Sediment Investigation (II) Upstream of Nakdong River' to investigate pollution sources in sediments upstream of the Nakdong River and at Andong Dam through lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) isotope analysis. The investigation results estimated Yeongpo Smelter's contribution to cadmium contamination as follows: 77–95.2% in river sediments near the smelter, 67–89.8% in sediments approximately 40km downstream of the smelter, and 57–64% in surface sediments at Andong Lake. The Ministry of Environment officially announced these findings to the public via a press release titled 'Public Release of Water Quality and Sediment Measurement Results Upstream of Nakdong River' on May 5, 2022."

He continued: "Nevertheless, follow-up government measures regarding heavy metal contamination in sediments upstream of the Nakdong River and at Andong Dam have not been implemented for an extended period. Since this issue directly affects public drinking water and aquatic ecosystems, responsible actions against the pollution source and actual remediation of contaminated sediments must no longer be delayed."

The Co-chairperson further emphasized: "Establish a Task Force (TF) under Jeong Bu-neun (Prime Minister) to relocate and restore Yeongpo Smelter. The anti-environment, anti-life, and anti-social enterprise Yeongpo Smelter must take full responsibility and leave the Nakdong River."

Meanwhile, Kim (Minister) visited Yeongpo Smelter on August 7, 2025, shortly after taking office, to inspect environmental management conditions. The Ministry of Climate is currently conducting detailed investigations to assess the impact of the smelter site and surrounding pollution sources on the Nakdong River.

On the 11th, Kim (Minister) announced at a plenary session of the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee that if Yeongpo Smelter is found to hinder drinking water safety in the Nakdong River, suspension of operations will be considered.

At that time, Han (Rep.) pointed out that the current system allows continued operation through administrative lawsuits and fines even when integrated environmental permits are violated, citing the low level of penalties. Kim (Minister) responded, "I fully agree with the honorable member's intent."

In parallel, it is reported that police have launched a reinvestigation into allegations of cadmium contamination in the Nakdong River caused by Yeongpo Smelter. The Seoul National Police Agency Investigation Deliberation Committee recently ordered reinvestigations into charges against Jang Hyung-jin, former advisor to Yeongpo, for alleged violations of the Environmental Crime Control Act and the Soil Environment Conservation Act, and transferred the cases to a regional investigation unit.

The Seoul Gangnam Police Station had previously decided not to prosecute in December last year without summoning Advisor Jang, citing insufficient evidence that he exercised substantial control over Yeongpo after resigning as CEO in 2015, expiration of the statute of limitations for alleged offenses during his tenure, and acquittals of some former and current employees previously indicted in related cases.

In response, the Bonghwa County Residents' Countermeasures Committee for Yeongpo Smelter and the Korean Lawyers Association for a Democratic Society (Minbyeon) filed requests for investigation deliberation. Consequently, the controversy surrounding Yeongpo Smelter has entered a new phase involving simultaneous government detailed investigations, filing of charges against the minister with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and police reinvestigation into Advisor Jang.

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*This content was translated by AI.