Dec. 17 (Asia Today) -- Korea Zinc's decision to build a large-scale smelter in the United States is drawing broad attention from major foreign media outlets, which describe the project as a significant step toward strengthening U.S. national security and reducing dependence on China for critical minerals.
The Tennessee smelter project represents an investment of about 11 trillion won ($8.3 billion), with roughly 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) to be contributed by the U.S. government and participating companies. International media have highlighted the project's role in reinforcing critical mineral supply chains between South Korea and the United States.
According to industry sources, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 15 that JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. government are backing Korea Zinc's plan to build a $7.4 billion smelter in Tennessee to supply minerals essential to the semiconductor, defense and aerospace industries. The report noted that China currently dominates the critical minerals sector, leaving U.S. industries heavily dependent on overseas imports.
Bloomberg added that the investment positions Seoul-based Korea Zinc as a "national security supplier."
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