Korea Zinc to accelerate U.S. smelter project under FAST-41 program

SEOUL, April 27 (UPI) -- The world's leading non-ferrous metal manufacturer, Korea Zinc, said Monday its U.S. integrated smelter initiative has been designated for the U.S. government's FAST-41 permitting program.

Under the program, Korea Zinc expects that the Project Crucible will be able to gain necessary permission earlier than expected to build a multibillion-dollar smelter in Tennessee.

FAST-41 is a statutory framework of the United States designed to improve coordination among federal agencies, thus streamlining environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects.

According to the U.S. Permitting Council, projects covered by FAST-41 have reached federal approvals nearly 18 months faster on average than those outside the framework.

Korea Zinc noted that the designation was based on a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between the U.S. Department of the Interior and the state of Tennessee.

"The FAST-41 designation for Project Crucible will be an important milestone in building a safe and resilient critical minerals supply chain," Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B. Choi said in a statement.

"We will do our utmost as a key operator of South Korea's strategic industries to contribute to supply chain stability and economic security for both Korea and the United States," he said.

Yun also pledged to keep the smelter project on schedule.

Late last year, Korea Zinc unveiled plans to develop the integrated smelter in Tennessee in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of Defense.

Construction is slated to begin next year, with production targeted for 2029. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce 13 materials, including zinc, lead, copper, antimony, indium, bismuth, tellurium and gallium. Up to 11 of them are classified as critical minerals.

The share price of Korea Zinc remained flat on the Seoul bourse Monday.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:19 AM.