Korea Zinc signed on Monday a strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Commerce to construct an integrated smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee, with annual refined output of roughly 540,000 tons. The project entails a total investment of about $7.5 billion (11 trillion won), including approximately $6.6 billion in capital expenditures, with additional working capital and financing costs bringing the total to that level. The facility, scheduled for commercial operation in 2029, will produce 13 items, including zinc, copper and critical defense-related minerals such as gallium and germanium.

As part of the agreement, the DOD will