Top 5 Lead Refiner Suppliers in South Korea [2025]

Walk into Korea LeadTech Innovations’ headquarters in Incheon, and you’ll notice something different right away: the walls are lined with photos of client facilities—from small-scale recyclers in Vietnam to sprawling plants in Germany—each emblazoned with the tagline “Turning Waste into Wealth.” Founded in 1998, this family-run business has grown from a local machinery shop to a global giant, thanks to its laser focus on lead acid battery recycling equipment and lead refinery machine equipment that balances speed with precision.

What sets LeadTech apart? Their flagship lead acid battery breaking and separation system is a marvel of engineering. Unlike traditional setups that require multiple steps and manual oversight, their integrated line can process up to 5 tons of batteries per hour, automatically separating plastic casings, acid, and lead plates with 99.7% purity. “We spent three years testing different blade configurations for the breaking unit,” says Chief Engineer Park Joon-ho. “Now, clients tell us they’re saving 30% on labor costs alone.”

But it’s their lead refinery machine equipment that truly shines. The company’s latest model, the LTR-2025, uses a proprietary “low-temperature refining” process that cuts energy use by 22% compared to industry standards. Paired with real-time monitoring software, operators can adjust parameters remotely, ensuring minimal lead loss and maximum output. “Our clients aren’t just buying a machine—they’re buying peace of mind,” notes Sales Director Kim Soo-jin. “Last year, a client in Brazil reported reducing their carbon footprint by 40% after upgrading to our system.”

With a presence in 32 countries and partnerships with automotive giants like Hyundai and Kia, LeadTech shows no signs of slowing down. Their 2024 expansion into Africa—where lead acid battery recycling is booming—has already yielded $12 million in new contracts. “We don’t just sell equipment,” Kim adds. “We build long-term relationships. That’s why 80% of our clients come back for upgrades or new systems.”

If LeadTech is the “engine” of the industry, EcoRefine Korea is the “lungs”—specializing in air pollution control system equipment that ensures lead refining operations meet the strictest global emissions standards. Founded in 2005 by a team of environmental engineers, this Seoul-based firm has made a name for itself by turning compliance into a competitive advantage.

Step into their R&D lab, and you’ll find engineers testing prototypes of their latest air pollution control system equipment —a compact, modular unit designed for small to mid-sized refineries. “Traditional systems are bulky and expensive, especially for emerging markets,” explains CEO Lee Min-ji. “Our EcoClean 5000 fits in half the space, costs 25% less, and still removes 99.9% of lead particulates and toxic gases.”

EcoRefine’s commitment to the environment isn’t just marketing. Their systems are built with recycled steel, and the company offsets 100% of its manufacturing emissions through reforestation projects in South Korea. “We had a client in Poland tell us their local government awarded them a tax break because our system helped them exceed EU emissions targets,” Lee recalls. “That’s the kind of impact we strive for.”

In 2025, the company is doubling down on lithium battery recycling support, with a new line of air pollution control system equipment tailored to the unique fumes generated during lithium processing. “The future is multi-material recycling,” Lee says. “We’re not just sticking to lead—we’re evolving with the industry.” With clients like BASF and Samsung SDI, EcoRefine’s global footprint now spans 28 countries, and their 2024 revenue hit an all-time high of $85 million.

While many suppliers focus on batteries, Seoul Metal Recovery Systems (SMRS) has carved a niche in a more complex area: circuit board recycling equipment. Founded in 2010, this young company has quickly become a favorite among e-waste recyclers, thanks to its ability to extract lead (and other precious metals) from circuit boards with unmatched efficiency.

Their flagship product, the CircuitMaster 3000, is a game-changer for the industry. Unlike older systems that rely on harsh chemicals, this dry-process unit uses a combination of shredding, magnetic separation, and electrostatic sorting to recover lead, copper, and gold from circuit boards. “We tested it on 500kg of old smartphones last year,” says Product Manager Choi Ji-hyun. “The result? 98.3% lead recovery, and the plastic residue was clean enough to be recycled into new phone cases. Clients love that they’re not just extracting metal—they’re closing the loop entirely.”

SMRS’s secret weapon? Their in-house software, CircuitAI, which uses machine learning to optimize sorting. “Every batch of circuit boards is different—some have more solder, some more components,” Choi explains. “CircuitAI learns from each run, adjusting the separator settings in real time. A client in Japan saw a 15% increase in lead yield after just two weeks of use.”

With e-waste projected to hit 74 million tons globally by 2030, SMRS is poised for growth. In 2025, they’re launching a mobile version of their circuit board recycling equipment—targeting small recyclers in rural areas who can’t afford full-scale plants. “Sustainability shouldn’t be limited to big corporations,” Choi says. “We want to put powerful tools in the hands of local recyclers, too.”

No list of Korean lead refiner suppliers would be complete without Hanwha Green Tech. A subsidiary of the massive Hanwha Group, this company brings decades of manufacturing expertise to the table—specializing in hydraulic press machines equipment that’s tough enough for the harshest recycling environments.

Hanwha’s hydraulic press machines equipment is legendary for its durability. Take their HPP-5000 hydraulic press: designed to compact lead scrap into dense briquettes, it can exert 5,000 tons of pressure and run 24/7 with minimal maintenance. “We built one for a client in Australia in 2018,” says Engineer Kim Dong-wook. “They’re still using it daily, and it’s only needed two minor repairs. That’s the Hanwha promise—machines that outlast the competition.”

But Hanwha isn’t a one-trick pony. Their product line includes everything from hydraulic balers for scrap metal to hydraulic cutters for dismantling large lead components. What ties it all together? A focus on operator safety. Their hydraulic cutter equipment, for example, features dual-hand controls and emergency stop buttons within arm’s reach, reducing workplace accidents by 60% in client facilities.

With a distribution network in 45 countries and a reputation for after-sales service, Hanwha dominates the global market for heavy-duty recycling machinery. “Last year, we supplied 120 hydraulic press machines to North America alone,” notes Marketing Head Park Min-young. “Our clients know that when they buy Hanwha, they’re getting a machine backed by a $65 billion conglomerate. That’s a level of reliability you can’t put a price on.”

Rounding out our list is Daewoo EcoEngineering, a company that prides itself on versatility. Founded in 2002, Daewoo has made a name for itself by offering end-to-end solutions for lead recycling—from battery breaking to refining to waste treatment. “We’re a one-stop shop,” says CEO Jung Ho-seok. “A client can walk in needing a complete lead recycling plant, and we’ll design, build, and install it—no subcontractors, no hassle.”

Their most popular offering? The Daewoo Integrated Recycling Line (DIRL), which combines lead acid battery breaking and separation, lead refinery machine equipment, and air pollution control system equipment into a single, seamless process. “A client in India installed the DIRL in 2023,” Jung recalls. “Within six months, they were processing 10 tons of batteries daily, with lead purity levels exceeding 99.95%. They’ve since expanded to two more plants.”

Daewoo also leads in sustainability innovation. Their latest air pollution control system equipment uses a “closed-loop” filtration process, capturing and reusing heat from emissions to power other parts of the plant. “It’s like the system powers itself,” Jung explains. “A client in Germany calculated that they’re saving €30,000 annually on energy bills alone.”

With a focus on emerging markets—particularly Southeast Asia and Latin America—Daewoo is quickly expanding its global footprint. In 2025, they’re launching a “green financing” program, offering low-interest loans to small recyclers looking to upgrade their equipment. “Sustainability is a team sport,” Jung says. “We want to lift the entire industry, not just our bottom line.”