POSCO: uses slag to create a marine ecosystem

POSCO launched the Ulleung Island Marine Forest Program to celebrate National Ocean Day (May 31).

Earlier this month, POSCO installed 100 Tritons * and 750 Triton blocks underwater and created a 0.4-hectare marine forest on Ulleung Island. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has recognized the established newts as artificial reefs. 100 newts were placed at the edge of the marine forest to facilitate the growth of algae, while 750 newts blocks were stacked in the center, serving as habitat and breeding ground for fish.

* Triton: In Greek mythology, the name Triton is taken from the name of the god of the sea. This is an artificial reef made from POSCO steel slag. The materials used to make Triton have proven to be safe for both the environment and marine life.

The event was attended by about 20 people, including Ulleung Island Governor Byong Soo Kim, Ulleung Island fishermen, POSCO In-Hwa Chang President and RIST President Song Yu. They examined the area of ​​the marine forest where artificial reefs were installed.

In 2000, POSCO partnered with RIST to develop the Triton artificial reef made from steel slag, which is a by-product of the steelmaking process. The company provided free steel slag totaling 6,559 tritons. Newts have been housed in 30 different marine forests in South Korea. In this case of Ulleung Island, POSCO not only supplied steel slag, but was directly involved from production to installation.

Steel slag, the main material of Triton, has a higher content of minerals such as calcium and iron, which are beneficial to marine ecosystems than common aggregates. Not only can the newt promote the growth of algae, but it can also promote photosynthesis, thereby restoring the marine ecosystem and diversifying coastal organisms. In addition, Triton Reef can withstand typhoons and tsunamis due to its high gravity and strength and is highly resistant to seawater corrosion.

POSCO is focusing on the Triton marine forest project as one of the core areas of corporate citizenship. The project is expected to restore the marine ecosystem and have a blue carbon effect as it absorbs and stores CO₂ underwater. RIST and other related organizations have found that marine forests are capable of storing 3 to 16 tons of carbon dioxide per year per hectare.

Ulleung Island Governor Byong Soo Kim said, "We are delighted that POSCO has intervened to help address the challenges of the marine ecosystem here on Ulleung Island." POSCO President In-Hwa Chang explained that POSCO, as a corporate citizen, will actively participate in promoting the local community through POSCO technology.

Since December last year, POSCO has researched the