【SMM Flash News】Korea Zinc to Build US$7.4bn Smelter in the US, Backed by Washington to Secure Critical Minerals

Published: Dec 16, 2025 00:18

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Korea Zinc Co. plans to invest about US$7.4 billion to build a large-scale smelter in the United States, supported by the US government and other strategic investors, to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals used in semiconductors, defense, and aerospace. The project will be developed through a joint venture, Crucible JV LLC, with US$1.94 billion in funding from the venture partners. Korea Zinc also plans to acquire Nyrstar’s Clarksville zinc smelter in Tennessee and develop a fully integrated facility capable of refining zinc, lead, copper, gold, silver, and strategic minerals such as antimony, germanium, and gallium, positioning the company as a key national-security supplier amid rising geopolitical tensions and China-related supply risks.

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