Becomes the first in Asia to demonstrate compliance with a global standard in the aerospace rare gas manufacturing market.

Begins full-scale supply of high-purity xenon and krypton, expanding beyond semiconductors to lead the localization of aerospace materials and bolster the group’s strategic resources portfolio.

SEOUL, South Korea, August 6, 2026—POSCO AIR SOLUTION, POSCO group’s industrial gas affiliate, has become the first company in Asia to receive the internationally recognized AS9100D aerospace and defense quality management system certification from LRQA for the production of high-purity rare gases.

On August 6, POSCO AIR SOLUTION held a certification ceremony for the AS9100D at the POSCO Center in Seoul, attended by Kim Dae-Yeon, President of POSCO AIR SOLUTION, and Lee Il-Hyung, Representative Director of LRQA Korea.

The AS9100D certification is a global standard based on ISO 9001 that incorporates the stringent, sector-specific requirements of the aerospace and defense industries. Given the nature of these sectors — where even the slightest quality deviation can lead to critical consequences — the certification requires an advanced quality assurance system covering product safety, process consistency, full traceability, and risk management. As such, it is regarded as an essential gateway for entering the rare gas manufacturing market for aerospace and defense applications.

POSCO AIR SOLUTION’s achievement is particularly significant not only because it is the first of its kind in Asia’s rare gas manufacturing sector, but also because it marks the successful localization of rare gas production for the aerospace industry. Through this certification, the company plans to expand its business beyond its existing focus on semiconductors and displays, establishing a stable supply base for high-purity xenon and krypton, which are essential for launch propulsion systems. In doing so, POSCO AIR SOLUTION aims to further strengthen its unique position as a specialized producer of rare gas resources for future industries.

In June, POSCO AIR SOLUTION completed the construction of a high-purity rare gas production plant with an annual capacity of 130,000 normal cubic meters (Nm³)* at the Donghoan site of Gwangyang Steelworks. With this facility, the company became the first in Korea to establish a complete value chain covering everything from raw material procurement to product manufacturing for four types of rare gases, securing a stable mass production system. More recently, in electric thruster propellant technology development tests for satellites and space exploration vehicles conducted by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the company’s xenon (Xe) and krypton (Kr) gases demonstrated performance equivalent to imported products, proving globally competitive quality suitable for aerospace applications.

* Normal cubic meter (Nm³) is a unit used to measure flow and volume. “N” stands for “Normal,” referring to standard conditions (typically 0°C and 1 atmosphere), and “m³” refers to cubic meters.

KIM Dae Yeon, President of POSCO AIR SOLUTION, stated, “This AS9100D certification proves that our high-purity rare gas manufacturing capabilities and quality management system are at a world-class level. Based on the high quality standards required by global customers, we will establish ourselves as a trusted key supplier in the aerospace and defense rare gas market.” He added, “By ensuring the stable supply of high-quality rare gases, we will serve as a core pillar of POSCO group’s strategic resources portfolio.”

LEE Il Hyung, Representative Director of LRQA Korea, noted during the ceremony, “POSCO AIR SOLUTION’s achievement in meeting these rigorous international standards for rare gas quality is particularly meaningful as it marks a first in Asia. We expect the company to play a vital role in the future development of the global aerospace industry.”

In July, POSCO group announced its vision to become a leading supplier of key national resources by reshaping its business portfolio and establishing a “Triple Core” system encompassing industrial resources (steel), strategic resources (including lithium, rare earths, and rare gases), and energy resources (such as LNG). In particular, the group plans to foster rare and specialty gases—essential materials for the semiconductor and aerospace industries—as strategic resources, creating new growth engines and helping stabilize supply chains for the nation’s future industries.

▲ KIM Dae Yeon, President of POSCO AIR SOLUTION (left), and LEE Il Hyung, Representative Director of LRQA Korea, pose for a commemorative photograph during a certificate presentation ceremony for the aerospace and defense quality management system held at POSCO Center on August 6.

Producing high-purity xenon, krypton, and neon with an annual capacity of 130,000 Nm³… Capable of meeting 52% of domestic semiconductor demand

POSCO group accelerates industrial gas business… Expanding specialty gas portfolio in synergy with steelmaking operations

POSCO group has completed the construction of a high-purity rare gas plant for the semiconductor and aerospace industries, further strengthening its competitiveness in next-generation businesses linked with its steelmaking operations.

POSCO AIR SOLUTION (CEO KIM Dae yeon), an industrial gas affiliate of POSCO group, held a completion ceremony for its high-purity rare gas plant at the Donghoan site of Gwangyang Works on the 17th. Held in conjunction with the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) completion ceremony, the event was attended by approximately 100 guests, including CHANG In hwa, CEO of POSCO Holdings, government officials, local government representatives, and executives and employees of client and partner companies.

POSCO AIR SOLUTION produces high-purity products using rare gases extracted from POSCO’s oxygen plants as feedstock. Recognizing the growing importance of rare gases in the semiconductor and aerospace sectors, POSCO established a dedicated new business organization in 2021 and expanded it into the Industrial Gas Business Division in 2023 to systematically prepare for market entry. The completion of this plant enables the localization of key materials for semiconductors and aerospace that were previously entirely import-dependent, which is expected to significantly enhance supply chain stability across the nation’s advanced industries.

The newly completed plant has an annual production capacity of 130,000 Normal cubic meters (Nm³)*, capable of meeting approximately 52% of the domestic semiconductor industry’s demand for rare gases. The facility refines crude gas extracted from the oxygen plants of POSCO’s steelworks into high-purity xenon (Xe), krypton (Kr), and neon (Ne). These rare gases are essential materials widely used across advanced industries, including semiconductor lithography and etching processes, as well as aerospace and medical applications.

*Note: Normal cubic meter (Nm³) is a unit used for flow rate and volume, where “N” stands for “Normal,” representing standard conditions (typically 0°C and 1 atm), and m³ represents the volume under actual operating conditions.

In his commemorative speech, POSCO Holdings CEO CHANG In hwa stated, “Amid intensifying instability in global supply chains for key materials, it is highly meaningful that we can now directly produce and stably supply essential materials for advanced industries that will shape the nation’s future, such as semiconductors and aerospace, using our own technology.” He added, “This milestone goes beyond merely building a factory; it will serve as a reliable pillar safeguarding the supply chain security of South Korea’s advanced industries.”

With the completion of the high-purity rare gas plant, POSCO group plans to expand its portfolio into various specialty gas businesses in synergy with its steelmaking operations. By combining POSCO’s world-class steelmaking infrastructure with its advanced gas purification technology, the company aims to not only supply the oxygen and nitrogen required for the production of steel and rechargeable battery materials but also lead the high-value-added rare and specialty gas markets.

▲ On the 17th, POSCO AIR SOLUTION held a completion ceremony for its high-purity rare gas plant. (From left) LEE Jong Geun, President of Hanyang ENG; JEON Hyeong Yeol, Director of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); WOO Kwang Il, Chairman of the Gwangyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry; JEONG Tae Seong, Director General of the Yeosu Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries; LEE Hee Geun, President of POSCO; Jeong In Hwa, Gwangyang Mayor; CHANG In Hwa, CEO of POSCO Holdings; Zhang Yuchun, President of Zhongtai; Wu Zhangmin, Director of Weihua Group; PARK Seong Hyeon, Gwangyang Mayor-elect; SHIN Seong Won, Head of POSCO Corporate Planning Headquarters; and KIM Dae Yeon, President of POSCO AIR SOLUTION.

▲ On the 17th, CHANG In Hwa, CEO of POSCO Holdings, delivers a commemorative speech at the completion ceremony of the high-purity rare gas plant.

▲ LEE Hee Geun, President of POSCO; PARK Seong Hyeon, Gwangyang Mayor-elect; CHANG In Hwa, CEO of POSCO Holdings; and JEONG In Hwa, Gwangyang Mayor, inspect the POSCO AIR SOLUTION high-purity rare gas plant.