KOREA ZINC SELECTS TENNESSEE FOR FIRST U.S. OPERATIONS, ANNOUNCES $6.6 BILLION INVESTMENTKOREA ZINC SELECTS TENNESSEE FOR FIRST U.S. OPERATIONS, ANNOUNCES $6.6 BILLION INVESTMENT

South Korean metal manufacturer selects Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee, for 740-job project $6.6 billion investment represents the single largest capital investment in Tennessee history

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B. Choi announced that the company will invest more than $6.6 billion in new production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee. The announcement, made by the world’s leading comprehensive nonferrous metal manufacturer, represents the company’s first U.S. locations and the largest single private corporate investment made in state history.

As part of its production efforts, Korea Zinc will create 420 new jobs in Montgomery County and an additional 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years. The multi-county project comprises construction of a new facility in Clarksville that will house the company’s U.S. headquarters as well as manufacturing operations. In Gordonsville, the company plans to reopen a former mine, bringing back lost jobs and industry to the community. The company, known for its commitment to community engagement, education and environmental sustainability, plans to acquire and invest in several locations statewide.

In addition, this effort builds upon agreements announced yesterday with the White House, and, subsequently, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Department of War and other partners that rely on the company’s critical and strategic mineral products. Korea Zinc’s refining plays a vital role in supporting advanced military technology and safeguarding national and international security by reducing the nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals.

This announcement is a direct result of Gov. Lee’s and Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter’s recent international recruiting trip to Asia. With the company’s total investment of more than $6 billion, this project further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Tennessee and South Korea and reinforces a partnership built on innovation, manufacturing excellence and shared values.

Since Gov. Lee took office, South Korea has emerged as one of the state’s top partners for foreign direct investment in creating new jobs and investing capital – a total of $7.2 billion invested during this administration. With Korea Zinc’s investment, South Korea will become the state’s No. 1 international partner for capital invested statewide since 2019.