Korea Zinc Launches $6.6B 'Project Crucible' Refinery in Tennessee

The new facility will produce critical metals for U.S. security and technology industries.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Korea Zinc, a South Korean company, is launching a $6.6 billion integrated non-ferrous metal refinery project called 'Project Crucible' in Clarksville, Tennessee. The facility will refine and produce 13 different metals, including zinc, lead, copper, silver, gold, and other critical minerals used in electronics, batteries, and defense manufacturing. The project is expected to create 420 high-paying jobs and help strengthen domestic supply chains for these important materials.

Why it matters

The United States currently relies heavily on imports for many critical minerals, so the new Clarksville refinery is meant to help expand domestic refining capacity and 'strengthen supply chains' by processing these metals within the U.S. The project is also a major economic boost for the Clarksville and Montgomery County region, bringing high-paying jobs and significant investment.

The details

The refinery will be built and operated through Crucible Metals LLC, a U.S. company created by Korea Zinc. It will cover about 160 acres and replicate Korea Zinc's Onsan refinery in South Korea, which is the largest single-site non-ferrous smelter in the world. Once operating, the Clarksville facility will refine and produce large amounts of base metals like zinc, lead, and copper, as well as precious metals like silver and gold. The project is expected to take about 33 months to build, with initial operations beginning in 2029 and full production reached in 2030.

  • Site preparation and engineering is expected to continue through 2026.
  • Construction is planned to begin in early 2027.
  • Initial operations are planned to begin in 2029, starting with zinc processing before expanding to lead and copper later that year.
  • The refinery is expected to reach full production in early 2030.

The players

Korea Zinc

A South Korean company that is leading the Project Crucible refinery project in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Crucible Metals LLC

A U.S. company created by Korea Zinc to manage and operate the Project Crucible refinery.

Ward Baker

The founder and president of the Baker Group, who welcomed guests and thanked everyone who helped bring the project to the area.

Yun B. Choi

The chairman of Korea Zinc, who said the new facility will add significantly to the company's global production.

Stuart McWhorter

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, who called this the largest announced project in state history.

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What they’re saying

“This milestone of Project Crucible represents innovation and excellence. Project Crucible is not just an investment; it's an investment in people and opportunity and the long-term success of Montgomery County and the country.”

— Ward Baker, Founder and President, Baker Group

“Project Crucible in a nutshell is the deployment of all our skills, experiences, and latest technologies in Clarksville, Tennessee, to make the best critical minerals processing facility that the world deserves.”

— Yun B. Choi, Chairman, Korea Zinc

“This is the largest announced project in state history.”

— Stuart McWhorter, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

What’s next

Site preparation and engineering is expected to continue through 2026, with construction planned to begin in early 2027. The project is expected to take about 33 months to build, with initial operations starting in 2029 and full production reached in 2030.

The takeaway

Project Crucible represents a major investment in critical mineral production and processing capabilities within the United States, helping to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic supply chains for key materials used in technology, defense, and other strategic industries. The project will also provide a significant economic boost to the Clarksville and Montgomery County region through high-paying jobs and broader economic development.