포스코홀딩스의 두 얼굴: 미래를 향한 기술 도약과 멈추지 않는 안전의 비극 > 뉴스

POSCO Holdings' decision to build a DLE demo plant in the Green River region of Utah, USA, in partnership with Anson Resources, an Australian resource development company, demonstrates POSCO's ambitious strategy to gain a technological edge in the global lithium market. This project is the first domestic company to demonstrate DLE technology in the United States, and its purpose is to verify a proprietary technology that is much more efficient and has a higher recovery rate than existing natural evaporation methods. This large-scale investment, which aims to complete construction in 2027 and complete technology verification in 2028, is a stepping stone to solidify its influence in the North American market by proving the technology to secure economic feasibility even in low-concentration salt water. By applying the process design and operation know-how it has accumulated since 2016 to actual overseas sites, POSCO aims to go beyond simply securing resources and leap forward as a key player in the material supply chain based on technological competitiveness.

However, in contrast to this technological praise, fatal accidents occurring mainly at POSCO E&C, a construction affiliate of POSCO Group, prove that the company's safety management system is at the brink. It is very shocking that since the enforcement of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, including the recent fall accident that occurred at the Shinansan Line double-track subway construction site, there have been 10 deaths in POSCO E&C alone and 18 in the group as a whole. The government's extreme response, such as the Ministry of Employment and Labor's unprecedented summons of representatives of the group's affiliates and the start of a mandatory investigation, is also evidence that the safety enhancement measures that have been implemented so far are not having a practical effect in the field. The fact that tragedies are repeated despite several large-scale measures, such as the resignation of the CEO, external consulting, and the establishment of a safety subsidiary, suggests that there are structural flaws in the overall system.

Future growth engines such as the lithium business promoted by POSCO Holdings under the banner of 'material patriotism' are of course important, but such growth can only be justified when the basic values of workers' lives and safety are guaranteed. The fact that the Ministry of Labor is carrying out planning and supervision of POSCO E&C's headquarters and construction sites across the country, and is conducting emergency inspections jointly with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is a strong warning that a company's safety and health management system should no longer remain at a formal level. Management must realize that, just as technological achievements are well-received by the market, creating an environment where field workers can leave work safely is a key indicator of a company's sustainability. There is a high risk that repeated incidents will soon lead to a decline in corporate trust, which will ultimately serve as a negative signal to global investors who value ESG management.

In conclusion, POSCO Holdings is moving forward as a leader in the secondary battery materials market through the two wings of 'absolute superiority in technology' and 'preemptive securing of quality resources', but if the foundation of field safety is shaken, that flight can crash at any time. Building a North American lithium supply chain through cooperation with Anson Resources is an excellent strategy to create future value, but it is difficult to gain support from the public and society if the achievements are built on the sacrifice of workers. In particular, during the DLE technology verification process, which will continue until 2028, companies must maintain a thorough management and supervision system to ensure not only technical completeness but also the safety of all personnel participating in the process. We must not forget that innovation is not limited to simply introducing new technology, but begins with fundamentally improving corporate culture and safety philosophy.