Officials from the U.S. state of Tennessee, United States visited Korea Zinc’s Onsan smelter, which is considered a model for the state’s integrated smelter construction project known as “Project Crucible.” The visit included discussions on additional areas of cooperation.
Korea Zinc said on April 29 that a delegation from Tennessee, United States, including Lt. Gov. Stuart McWhorter, visited the Onsan smelter on April 28 to explore ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.
The Onsan smelter serves as a benchmark for Project Crucible. Site preparation for the project is set to begin this year, with completion targeted for 2029.
Once completed, the facility is expected to produce 13 types of nonferrous metals, including zinc, lead and copper, as well as indium and gallium, along with 11 critical minerals designated by the U.S. government, and sulfuric acid for semiconductors.
Through the visit, Tennessee officials sought to enhance their understanding of the smelting industry and on-site operations, while discussing additional measures to ensure the smooth progress of Project Crucible.
McWhorter said, “We have been holding ongoing meetings with Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-bum and other executives,” adding that the visit helped broaden understanding of the smelting industry and increased expectations for Project Crucible.
Kim Seung-hyun, head of Korea Zinc’s Onsan smelter, said, “If the Onsan smelter — the only facility in the world capable of producing zinc, lead, copper and critical minerals — is replicated in the United States, it will serve as a catalyst for innovation across the smelting industry.”