Korea Zinc's U.S. project clears environmental impact assessment

Korea Zinc, the world's largest refined zinc smelter, announced on Monday that the $7.4 billion U.S. manufacturing project, named Project Crucible, has successfully passed an environmental impact assessment. This approval is anticipated to expedite the company's plans to construct a critical metals refinery in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The project, also known as FAST-41, is set to commence test operations in 2029 and commence full production of 11 key minerals, 12 nonferrous metals, and semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid in the following year.

Project Crucible represents Korea Zinc's first FAST-41 project, approved by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council following the company's May memorandum of understanding with the state of Tennessee. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commented on the significance of this milestone, stating that with Project Crucible now classified as a FAST-41 project, the company will accelerate critical infrastructure development and enhance government efficiency to advance the project without unnecessary delays.