The Real Intentions of the US Behind the KRW 10 Trillion Investment, Spoken Directly by Korea Zinc's Chairman | Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom

Summary

In a Davos interview, Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom explains why the company is investing about $7.4 billion in a Tennessee integrated smelter to supply critical minerals outside China. He says the project has US defense backing, will produce 13 critical metals, uses a compact proprietary process, and can start ramp-up in 2029 with full operation by 2030. He also highlights Korea Zinc's 100% recycled copper expansion, from 30,000 tons in 2024 toward 150,000 tons by 2028-29, and frames the US project as a quantum jump for Korea Zinc and shareholder value.

• Davos discussion focused on global supply-chain risk and the shift from economic logic to national-security logic for critical minerals.
• China's export controls and US-China trade tensions have made raw material access a strategic priority.
• Korea Zinc plans a $7.4 billion Tennessee integrated smelter to produce 13 critical metals with US government and defense support.
• Tennessee was chosen for its existing smelter, skilled workforce, and community acceptance.
• Project Crucible is designed as a compact Masterpiece smelter to lower operating and maintenance costs.
• Korea Zinc's copper business is 100% recycled and targets 150,000 tons by 2028-29, supported by its scrap network and US project synergies.
• The company expects project ramp from 2029 and full operation by 2030 to drive a quantum jump in sales, profit, and shareholder value.
• The interview also notes the KOSPI crossing 5,000 points and governance and shareholder-trust themes after a hostile M&A battle.