Ecopro Group stayed in the black on growth in its environmental business amid a boom in the semiconductor market and improved profitability in its lithium business. Ecopro said on Aug. 4 it posted second-quarter consolidated revenue of 820.8 billion won and operating profit of 32.9 billion won. Revenue rose slightly from the previous quarter's 818.3 billion won, but operating profit fell from 56.4 billion won.

In the recycling segment, revenue rose on metal price and foreign exchange effects, while the lithium business improved profitability as higher lithium prices were reflected in selling prices. Heavy rain in the region temporarily reduced utilisation at a nickel smelter in Indonesia, slightly slowing profitability for the group overall. With restoration measures now completed and production resumed, a recovery in results is expected in the second half.

By affiliate, cathode material maker Ecopro BM posted second-quarter consolidated revenue of 576.7 billion won and operating profit of 18.0 billion won. Revenue and operating profit edged down due to stagnant demand in Europe's electric vehicle market, but rising demand for AI data centres and power applications supported results.

Precursor business operator Ecopro Materials increased sales to external customers, lifting second-quarter revenue to 178.8 billion won from 166.5 billion won in the previous quarter. It posted an operating loss of 10.6 billion won due to lower utilisation following damage from heavy rain at the Green Eco Nickel smelter in Indonesia. The company expected mid- to long-term profitability to improve as utilisation recovers and as external conditions change, including securing new customers in North America and the abolition of China's value-added tax rebates.

Ecopro HN, which runs an eco-friendly materials business, posted second-quarter revenue of 51.5 billion won and operating profit of 5.8 billion won, both up from the previous quarter. Revenue is expanding as order fulfilment linked to the semiconductor market boom accelerates and supplies to overseas LNG power plants stabilise. Ecopro Group plans to broaden its business structure centred on secondary battery materials into resources, the circular economy and advanced materials through securing nickel and lithium resources, expanding recycling and developing next-generation battery and semiconductor materials.