Trump Just Tipped Odds In US FAVOR — 50 Years In The MAKING!

The United States is about to witness its first major zinc smelter construction in over 50 years, marking a dramatic shift in America’s strategy to break free from Chinese mineral dependency.

Story Snapshot

Korea Zinc commits $7.4 billion to build critical minerals smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee
First major U.S. zinc smelter since the 1970s will produce 11 of 13 federally designated critical minerals
Pentagon and Commerce Department investing $1.4 billion with JPMorgan backing the project
Facility expected to create 750 jobs and begin operations in 2029
Strategic move to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains for defense and technology sectors

Breaking the 50-Year Drought

Korea Zinc’s announcement represents more than just another industrial investment. The South Korean metals giant plans to construct a state-of-the-art smelting facility that will resurrect America’s dormant zinc production capacity. The company will leverage technology from its world-leading Onsan plant in South Korea, bringing advanced metallurgical processes to American soil for the first time in decades.

The timing couldn’t be more strategic. With China controlling significant portions of global critical mineral supply chains, the United States has found itself dangerously dependent on a geopolitical rival for materials essential to everything from military equipment to smartphones. This Tennessee facility promises to change that dynamic fundamentally.

Pentagon Stakes Its Claim

The Department of Defense’s $1.4 billion investment signals just how seriously the military views mineral security. Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg described the project as reversing “50 years of decline” while creating jobs for strategic mineral production. The Pentagon’s involvement transforms this from a simple business venture into a national security imperative.

Korea Zinc to build $7.4 billion Tennessee smelter backed by Trumphttps://t.co/Pm5Hdvu3Nw

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 16, 2025

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick framed the partnership as “transformational for America,” emphasizing how domestic production will reduce foreign dependence. The collaboration between Korea Zinc and federal agencies represents a new model for allied cooperation in critical infrastructure, one that prioritizes supply chain resilience over cost savings.

Tennessee’s Strategic Advantage

Clarksville wasn’t chosen randomly. The site offers existing infrastructure from Nyrstar’s previous operations, providing Korea Zinc with a head start on development. Governor Bill Lee’s recent Asia recruiting trip directly facilitated Tennessee’s selection, demonstrating how aggressive state-level economic development can attract transformational investments.

The 650,000 square meter facility will mirror Korea Zinc’s successful Onsan model, integrating base metals and strategic minerals production on a massive scale. Construction phases will begin with site preparation in 2026, followed by full-scale building in 2027, targeting commercial operations by 2029.

Geopolitical Chess Move

This partnership represents more than economics; it’s geopolitical strategy in action. By aligning with South Korea, America strengthens ties with a key Pacific ally while simultaneously reducing dependence on China. Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B. Choi characterized the deal as a “geostrategic victory” supporting economic security through allied cooperation.

JPMorgan’s involvement through its national security lending initiative adds another layer of significance. The banking giant’s participation signals Wall Street’s recognition that critical mineral production has become a matter of national importance, not just market opportunity.

The China Factor

Behind every aspect of this deal lurks the specter of Chinese mineral dominance. For decades, American manufacturers have relied on Chinese suppliers for zinc, rare earths, and other critical materials. This dependence created vulnerabilities that became painfully apparent during recent supply chain disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions.

The Tennessee smelter will produce 11 of the 13 minerals on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 Critical Minerals List. This domestic capacity means American defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, and electric vehicle producers won’t need to source these materials from potentially hostile nations. The strategic implications extend far beyond the 750 direct jobs the facility will create.