President Donald Trump highlighted Korea Zinc’s integrated smelter project in the U.S. as a major economic achievement during a campaign rally in Tennessee ahead of the midterm elections.
Korea Zinc’s Project Crucible has emerged as a cornerstone in the U.S.-Korea partnership for critical mineral supply chains.
According to foreign media and local news outlets on Monday, Trump introduced Korea Zinc’s significant local investment plans at a Republican midterm campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on October 10.
Trump stated that Korea Zinc is investing over 6 billion USD right here in Montgomery and Smith Counties, Tennessee, creating 740 jobs. Your state will soon see the construction of the first new mineral smelter in the U.S. since 1979.
He emphasized that it will be a large and impressive smelter, generating high-quality jobs with competitive wages.
Trump claimed his tariff policies have attracted substantial investments from foreign companies, citing Korea Zinc’s investment as a prime example.
Local media noted Trump’s focus on Korea Zinc’s smelter project as a key achievement. Clarksville Now reported that Trump showcased Korea Zinc’s Crucible Metals smelter project, set to be built in Montgomery County, as a success story.
During the rally, Trump asserted that the U.S. economy has entered a golden era since his administration began, highlighting economic successes. He remarked that it’s an honor to serve as the president during this prosperous time for America.
Korea Zinc is advancing Project Crucible in collaboration with the U.S. government to construct a large integrated non-ferrous metal smelter in Tennessee, with a total investment of approximately 7.4 billion USD. This facility aims to produce 11 critical minerals designated by the U.S. government, including zinc, lead, copper, silver, antimony, indium, bismuth, tellurium, palladium, and gallium.
Last month, Korea Zinc completed the Final Environmental Assessment for Project Crucible under the National Environmental Policy Act, receiving a Finding of No Significant Impact determination from the U.S. Department of Defense.
The U.S. environmental impact assessment is considered a crucial first step for large-scale infrastructure projects. This approval allows Korea Zinc to proceed with subsequent permitting processes without requiring a separate detailed Environmental Impact Statement, paving the way for smooth project progression.
Korea Zinc’s integrated smelter project in the U.S. is frequently cited as a key investment in strengthening critical mineral supply chains between economic allies like the U.S. and South Korea. On August 7, during a roundtable meeting on critical mineral supply chains at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized the need for domestic critical mineral supply chains and highlighted Project Crucible.
Previously, both the International Energy Agency and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. foreign policy and security think tank, underscored the strategic importance of Project Crucible in their reports. Korea Zinc’s integrated smelter in the U.S. is increasingly recognized as a vital hub for U.S.-Korea cooperation in critical mineral supply chains.