Technology has been developed to recycle wastewater sludge generated in semiconductor manufacturing processes and reuse it as a secondary raw material in steelmaking processes, with expectations for reduction of semiconductor waste, cost reduction in steel production, and substitution of imported minerals.

Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Steel announced on the 27th that they have jointly developed a new technology that enables the reuse of wastewater sludge (precipitate) generated in semiconductor manufacturing processes as a secondary raw material in steel production.

In the steelmaking process at steel mills, fluorite is used to more easily remove impurities (sulfur, phosphorus) from molten iron. This research result was inspired by the fact that the main component contained in semiconductor wastewater sludge (calcium fluoride, CaF2 50-60%) has a composition similar to fluorite.

Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Steel, and Steel Ceramics (a recycling company) signed a technology cooperation agreement in August 2020 related to wastewater sludge recycling, and through joint research and development, successfully produced steel materials using 30 tons of fluorite replacement material at Hyundai Steel's Dangjin Steel Mill in April.

The new technology underwent primary evaluation by the Korea Environment Institute in June 2021 and final evaluation by the National Institute of Environmental Research in August, and received final approval on August 31.

The National Institute of Environmental Research evaluated it as the most exemplary case since the Recycling Environmental Assessment system was established in July 2016. Additionally, the institute plans to provide active technical and administrative support so that waste that has not been recycled due to technical and institutional limitations can be more actively recycled through recycling environmental assessment.

Fluorite is a mineral entirely dependent on overseas imports (South America, China, etc.). Hyundai Steel imports and uses approximately 20,000 tons of fluorite annually, with plans to replace approximately 10,000 tons with recycled wastewater sludge products as early as the end of October this year, and gradually increase usage in the future.

Through this technology development, Samsung Electronics will now be able to recycle wastewater sludge that was previously sent to cement plants into various applications, and it is expected to contribute to cost reduction in Hyundai Steel's fluorite procurement.

The development of "alternative materials using waste" is an exemplary case of "circular economy-type ESG" created through response to the government's resource circulation policy and collaboration between companies and relevant agencies.

Jang Sung-dae, Senior Executive of Samsung Electronics' DS Division Environmental Safety Center, stated, "Samsung Electronics will continue to strengthen ESG management by continuing to develop eco-friendly resource circulation technology with the goal of achieving 100% waste recycling rate."

Meanwhile, wastewater sludge is generated in large quantities, accounting for 60% of total semiconductor waste generation. Samsung Electronics has made efforts since the late 1990s to achieve zero direct landfill of semiconductor wastewater sludge.

From 2018 onwards, the company set the goal of "zero waste emission" and has conducted research and facility investments.

Regarding semiconductor wastewater sludge, through research to improve dewatering pump and filter efficiency, the company has reduced approximately 75,000 tons of wastewater sludge annually.

Through recycling of this wastewater sludge, it is expected to contribute to reducing waste emissions and serve as a fluorite replacement material, achieving a dual benefit.