Korea Zinc has launched a commemorative ceremony to mark the official start of Project Crucible, its integrated smelter construction project in the U.S., signaling a major step towards establishing a critical mineral supply chain.
The company announced on Thursday that it held an event on Wednesday in Clarksville, Tennessee, to celebrate the launch of Crucible Zinc and its subsidiaries.
Crucible Zinc and its affiliates were established following Korea Zinc’s finalization of the acquisition of the Nyrstar USA smelter and related companies. This event was organized to welcome the existing smelter staff and share the project’s vision.
The ceremony was attended by key executives, including Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom, local employees, and officials from Tennessee and Montgomery County.
At the event, Chairman Choi emphasized that Project Crucible marks the beginning of a new era for Korea Zinc He pledged to create a world-class facility for processing critical minerals by integrating cutting-edge technology and expertise
Korea Zinc plans to ensure initial operational stability by retaining the existing smelter workforce while maximizing business synergy through the integration of its proprietary smelting and recycling technologies. The company also aims to secure critical minerals such as germanium, gallium, and indium through the recycling of smelting byproducts and mining operations.
The project timeline includes site preparation this year, with construction set to begin in 2027 and completion targeted for 2029. Once operational, the facility will produce base metals like zinc, lead, and copper, along with critical minerals designated by the U.S. government and sulfuric acid for semiconductor manufacturing.
Drawing on its international experience, including operations at the SMC Refinery in Australia, Korea Zinc intends to strengthen collaboration with local talent to ensure the project’s smooth implementation.
This strategic move is designed to enhance economic security by establishing a production hub for critical minerals within the U.S., addressing the challenges of global supply chain restructuring and increasing geopolitical risks.
A Korea Zinc spokesperson stated that it is committed to successfully executing this project by combining local expertise with the technological capabilities. Its goal is to contribute to stabilizing the critical mineral supply chain in the U.S. while fostering local community development.