Officials Discuss Smelter Technology, Environmental Planning, and U.S. Cooperation Opportunities
Lieutenant Governor Stuart C. McWhorter and other Tennessee state officials tour Korea Zinc’s Onsan Smelter and receive explanations. (Photo = Korea Zinc)
Korea Zinc announced that Lieutenant Governor Stuart McWhorter and other Tennessee state officials visited the Onsan Smelter on April 28.
Tennessee is the state where Korea Zinc is pursuing “Project Crucible” for the construction of an Integrated Smelter.
The Tennessee state officials are reported to have visited the Onsan Smelter to discuss the smooth progress of Project Crucible and potential avenues for further cooperation.
On April 28, Lieutenant Governor McWhorter held a meeting with Korea Zinc officials, including Kim Seung-hyun, head of Korea Zinc’s Onsan Smelter (Executive Vice President), during which he was briefed on the smelter’s technological capabilities, environmental considerations, and overall operational direction. The vision related to the construction of the integrated smelter in the United States was also shared.
Regarding the significance of Project Crucible, Lieutenant Governor McWhorter stated, “It is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, including job creation, and we also hope it will serve as an important opportunity to strengthen the partnership between South Korea and the United States and to enhance economic security through the reinforcement of critical mineral supply chains.”
During the meeting, Lieutenant Governor McWhorter pledged full administrative support for the smooth advancement of the project going forward. Lieutenant Governor McWhorter and the Tennessee state officials then personally toured the Onsan Smelter. They examined the manufacturing processes for base metals such as zinc as well as critical minerals including indium, and gave high marks to Korea Zinc’s technological capabilities. In particular, at the planned site for a new germanium plant within the Onsan Smelter, they expressed anticipation that cooperation with the United States would be possible across a broader range of fields. Lieutenant Governor McWhorter also actively engaged in conversation with workers on-site.
Kim Seung-hyun, head of Korea Zinc’s Onsan Smelter, said, “As the U.S. integrated smelter is planned to be built as a smart smelter incorporating the Onsan Smelter’s technology along with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, I expect that this technology will in turn be applied back to the Onsan Smelter, generating synergy effects as well.”
Meanwhile, Project Crucible aims for completion by 2029, beginning with site preparation work this year.
Jung Suk-yee
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