POSCO HOLDINGS expands into lithium and energy under 'Triple-core' portfolio

Strategy overview

At a CEO Investor Day on July 2, POSCO HOLDINGS unveiled a ‘Triple-core’ business framework: Industrial Resources (steel), Strategic Resources (lithium, cathode/anode materials, rare earths) and Energy Resources (LNG, renewables). CEO Chang In‑Hwa set consolidated targets of KRW 187 trillion revenue and KRW 13.1 trillion operating profit by 2035 and framed the shift as strengthening national industrial supply chains amid low‑carbon transition risks.

Strategic resources — lithium and critical minerals

The group plans 173,000 tpa lithium production capacity by 2033 to reach a Global Top 5 position and targets more than KRW 1.8 trillion operating profit from lithium by 2035. Brine operations in Argentina turned profitable in March and secured approval under Argentina’s RIGI; POSCO aims 100,000 tpa from brine by 2033 and will accelerate Phase 3–4. An ore JV with Mineral Resources Ltd. supplies over 187,000 tpa of concentrate and is expected to add ~KRW 200 billion annual revenue. Rare earths and specialty gases are also flagged as strategic resource lines.

Industrial and energy resources

Steel growth will focus on overseas capacity expansion to 10 million tons by 2031 in markets such as India, the US and Indonesia, with profits recycled into Korea’s low‑carbon transition. Energy plans include LNG value‑chain expansion, increased trading volumes and entry into offshore wind and overseas solar markets.

Capital allocation and governance

POSCO will invest KRW 16.7 trillion in future growth during 2026–2028. To address the holding‑company discount, POSCO HOLDINGS will trim listed‑subsidiary stakes toward ~50%, direct proceeds into strategic resource projects it will manage, and allocate 10% of transaction proceeds to share buybacks and cancellations. The group will follow the Korea event with CEO Investor Days in Singapore (July 6) and Hong Kong (July 8) to continue investor engagement.