Korea Zinc Plans $7.4B Tennessee Smelter, 740 Jobs

President Donald Trump touted Korea Zinc’s planned Tennessee smelter as evidence that his tariff policies are attracting investment, saying the project would bring more than $6 billion and 740 jobs to Montgomery and Smith counties. Developed with the U.S. government and other partners, Project Crucible is estimated to cost about $7.4 billion and is expected to produce 11 minerals the U.S. designates as critical, including zinc, copper, antimony and gallium. The project is part of Washington’s effort to reduce reliance on China and other overseas suppliers for minerals used in industries such as semiconductors, batteries, defense and energy.