According to Yonhap News Agency, Hwang Ki-yeon, president of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, stated that the bank is "discussing a plan to provide support using the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund" for Korea Zinc's planned smelter construction in Tennessee, USA. Hwang made these remarks on the 20th in response to a suggestion from members of Congress to actively consider supporting Korea Zinc, saying, "We are currently in discussions on this." Korea Zinc is advancing its Project Crucible integrated smelter project in Clarksville, Tennessee. The project is scheduled to begin construction next year and start producing zinc, copper, gold, silver, and key minerals such as gallium, germanium, indium, and antimony for the semiconductor and advanced defense industries from 2029. The total investment for the project is $7.4 billion. The US government has signed a strategic partnership and financing agreement with Korea Zinc, deciding to provide a $4.7 billion loan to the project. At a Republican midterm election campaign rally in Clarksville on the 10th, Trump praised his tariff policies, saying they prompted Korea Zinc to invest over $6 billion and create 740 jobs.
