Korea's MBK Partners hires U.S. lobbyist for critical minerals issues

SEOUL, May 18 (UPI) -- South Korean private equity firm, MBK Partners is stepping up its outreach efforts in the United States by recently hiring a lobbyist in Washington

Korea Corporate Investment Holdings, or KCIH, retained Checkmate Government Relations as its lobbyist last month, according to the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday.

KCIH is a special-purpose corporation established by MBK Partners for its takeover bid for Korea Zinc, the world's largest non-ferrous metal manufacturer.

As the filings show that Checkmate was selected for "issues regarding educating federal policymakers on critical mineral production," the move appears to be linked to Project Crucible, headed by the incumbent management of Korea Zinc.

The $7.4 billion initiative aims to build an integrated smelter for strategic materials in Clarksville, Tenn. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with production expected to start in 2029. Toward that end, Korea Zinc is cooperating with the U.S. government.

MBK Partners has not opposed the project, but has instead reiterated that the program should be managed appropriately.

Since early 2025, Korea Zinc has been resisting a takeover attempt by KCIH. The two sides clashed at shareholders' meetings in 2025 and 2026 in a series of heated proxy battles.

Based in North Carolina, Checkmate founder Charles McDowell reportedly has close ties with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump. McDowell is one of four lobbyists listed in the filings submitted to the Office of the Clerk.

When contacted, MBK Partners confirmed that KCIH retained Checkmate as its lobbyist, but declined to comment on the reason.

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 9:56 AM.