Korea Zinc Plans $7.4B Recycled-Content Smelter in Tennessee

Korea Zinc Targets U.S. Market with Recycled-Content Smelter

Korea Zinc, a global metals producer, announced plans to build a $7.4 billion smelting facility in Clarksville, Tennessee. The project will operate in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of War. The facility aims to produce 540,000 tons annually of 13 nonferrous metals using recycled scrap and low-grade concentrates.

The Tennessee site leverages Korea Zinc’s existing U.S. assets, including a smelter in Clarksville and stakes in electronics recycling and metals trading companies. Korea Zinc says the facility will model its operations after its Onsan smelter in South Korea, the world’s largest single-site smelter, optimizing metal recovery from complex scrap and raw materials.

Producing Critical Metals from Recycled Feedstock

Korea Zinc will process metals including zinc, lead, copper, gold, silver, antimony, indium, bismuth, tellurium, cadmium, palladium, gallium, and germanium. The facility will focus on recycled content such as electronic scrap and printed circuit boards, helping diversify global supply chains. Officials also indicate the potential reopening of a closed zinc mine in Gordonsville, Tennessee, to support the project.

The construction timeline begins with site preparation in 2026, full-scale construction in 2027, and phased operations starting in 2029. U.S. government officials emphasize the project’s significance for critical minerals supply, supporting sectors like aerospace, defense, AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.

Strategic Implications of Korea Zinc’s Tennessee Expansion

Korea Zinc’s U.S. smelter strengthens economic security cooperation between South Korea and the United States. By producing essential metals domestically, the facility reduces reliance on foreign supply chains and boosts U.S. industrial competitiveness. The project also aligns with geopolitical priorities to secure critical minerals, creating strategic value for both nations.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Korea Zinc’s Tennessee smelter represents a major step in reshaping North America’s critical metals landscape. The project combines advanced recycling, large-scale production, and strategic minerals output, making it a model for future U.S.-ROK cooperation. Investors and industrial stakeholders should monitor this development as it may influence global metals pricing, supply chain security, and future recycling initiatives.