Chair Choi Yoon-beom of Korea Zinc visited Tennessee with key executives to check the progress of the U.S. integrated smelter construction project (Project Crucible).
According to Korea Zinc on the 2nd, Choi attended the launch ceremony of "Crucible Zinc Inc." held on the 1st (local time) in Clarksville, Tennessee, along with key executives.
Crucible Zinc was launched as Korea Zinc finalized the acquisition of the Nyrstar USA smelter and its affiliates.
As head of Project Crucible, Choi said in remarks, "We will pool all the company's capabilities, experience, and cutting-edge technology to build the world's best critical mineral processing facility."
Choi added, "With this project, Korea Zinc has begun a journey to open a new future beyond the past 52 years and to safeguard national security in critical minerals," and "We will build corporations that last more than 100 years, not pursue short-term profits."
The launch event was held under the theme, "A pivotal moment: one team, one direction." Along with Choi's remarks, the management vision and impressions from Crucible Zinc's local employees were shared.
Korea Zinc said it will leverage its experience in establishing and operating the local Australian smelter Sun Metal Corporation (SMC) to ensure Crucible Zinc's initial stability and seamless execution.
As in 1996 when SMC was founded, the plan is to retain skilled local personnel to ensure job stability and to dispatch Korea Zinc's key personnel to drive the business.
In addition, the company plans to recover critical minerals from approximately 620,000 tons of smelting by-products at five pond sites within the smelter grounds and to source feedstock from two mines owned by the smelter.
After the launch ceremony, Choi toured the smelter site and personally inspected various matters related to project progress. Korea Zinc's U.S. integrated smelter aims for completion in 2029.
Based on a strategic partnership with the U.S. government, the company is proceeding with various permits and financing, and after completion plans to produce zinc and lead-copper first, followed by 13 types of nonferrous metals and sulfuric acid for semiconductor manufacturing.
The event drew a large turnout from Korea Zinc's leadership, including Presidents Park Ki-won and Lee Seung-ho, Sustainability Management Division Head Kim Ki-joon, and Talent Management Division Head Kwon In-dae, as well as Chair Choi.
Also in attendance were Tennessee Lt. Gov. Stuart McWhoter, Erin Hutchens, director for North and Central Tennessee, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, and Alec Richardson, state director for U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty's office, among other key local figures.
A Korea Zinc official said, "Korea Zinc will successfully push forward 'Project Crucible' by combining the world's top-tier smelting technology with excellent local skilled personnel and infrastructure, and will do its best to contribute to stabilizing the critical mineral supply chain in the United States, developing local communities, and furthering Korea-U.S. economic security."