Gyeonggi Governor Pressures Samsung, SK Hynix on Wastewater Discharge

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae has intensified pressure on semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, demanding they decrease wastewater discharge from their facilities. This renewed call focuses on increasing the reuse rate of process water and minimizing effluent, signaling the provincial government's intent to directly oversee environmental impacts associated with the industry.

Governor Choo pointed to international practices, noting that companies like Intel and TSMC in the United States are investing heavily in technologies aimed at water recycling and achieving zero or minimal discharge. She urged Samsung and SK Hynix to adopt similar proactive measures, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial alongside the province's plans to ensure an abundant and affordable supply of water for semiconductor manufacturing.

“

Companies like Intel and TSMC in the United States are investing heavily in technologies aimed at water recycling and achieving zero or minimal discharge.

The governor's public admonishment, occurring less than a month after a previous appeal, underscores her administration's commitment to managing water resources and environmental concerns within the semiconductor sector. Gyeonggi Province has identified the capacity to supply 1.1 million tons of water daily for semiconductor operations and is pursuing legislative changes to potentially include water from the Hwacheon Dam, further highlighting the strategic importance of water for this key industry.

“

We are preparing measures to supply semiconductor water cheaply and abundantly through public power, and you must not fail to make efforts to reduce wastewater discharge.