The United States has included Korea Zinc's integrated smelter construction project in Tennessee in its federal fast-track permitting program for major infrastructure and resource projects, providing full administrative support. The decision is seen as reflecting Washington's strategic push to reduce its reliance on China in critical mineral supply chains. It marks the first time a project led by a Korean company has been designated under the program.
Korea Zinc said Thursday that "Project Crucible," which it is pursuing in Tennessee, has been designated as eligible for the US federal government's "FAST-41" program. FAST-41 is a system that consolidates permitting reviews — previously handled separately by multiple agencies — for nationally strategic large-scale infrastructure and resource projects, significantly shortening the schedule. According to the US Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, FAST-41-designated projects reach the issuance of their Record of Decision (ROD) an average of 18 months faster than non-designated projects.
The designation follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in February between the US Department of the Interior and the Tennessee state government, among others, to streamline permitting procedures. Project Crucible can now advance related procedures simultaneously under the federal-Tennessee MOU, which is expected to further accelerate progress.
In particular, the project produces a far wider range of minerals than previously designated FAST-41 critical mineral projects, suggesting it will strengthen Korea-US economic security cooperation and contribute to building a US supply chain independent of China.
"We will faithfully execute our roadmap to complete the project by 2029, build a world-class critical mineral processing facility, and work to contribute to supply chain stability and economic security for both Korea and the United States," Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-birm said.
