Korea Zinc's $7.4b Tennessee smelter wins local backing

What happened: Korea Zinc's planned $7.4 billion smelter complex in Clarksville, Tennessee, known as Project Crucible, has won backing from local officials, who cite jobs and US critical mineral security. Key numbers: $7.4 billion investment, including $210 million from the US Commerce Department under the CHIPS Act. 650,000 square meters. Why it matters: Local and federal support, plus Trump's rally mention, signal political momentum for the project, which aims to cut US reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, for minerals used in semiconductors and defense.

Korea Zinc's planned $7.4 billion smelter complex in Clarksville, Tennessee, known as Project Crucible, has won backing from local officials, who cite jobs and US critical mineral security.

Local and federal support, plus Trump's rally mention, signal political momentum for the project, which aims to cut US reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, for minerals used in semiconductors and defense.