Korea Zinc is partnering with the US Departments of War and Commerce to build an integrated smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee.

This project, known as the US Smelter, costs about 11 trillion won and will span about 650,000 square meters. The facility aims to fix the US smelting industry, which has been quiet for many years.

Construction will start in 2026, and full production will begin in 2029. Starting in 2029, the factory plans to produce 540,000 tons of products annually, including 13 types of critical and strategic minerals, such as zinc, lead, copper, and rare metals like germanium. These materials are necessary for making semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense equipment.

This partnership helps the US secure its own supply of minerals instead of relying on other countries.