World-leading nonferrous metal manufacturer to create 740 jobs across Clarksville and Gordonsville in largest capital investment in state history
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Korea Zinc, the world’s leading comprehensive nonferrous metal manufacturer, will establish its first U.S. operations in Tennessee, investing more than $6.6 billion in new production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville. The multi-county project will create 740 new jobs and represents the largest single private capital investment in Tennessee history.
Governor Lee was joined by Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B. Choi in making the announcement.
“Today’s announcement underscores that Tennessee is known globally as the best place to live, work and raise a family,” said Governor Bill Lee. “This historic investment will drive economic prosperity across Middle Tennessee for generations to come, and I am proud to welcome Korea Zinc to the Volunteer State. I am confident the company will find long-term success in partnership with Tennessee’s highly skilled workforce.”
Under the project, Korea Zinc will create 420 new jobs in Montgomery County and 320 new jobs in Smith Countyover the next five years. The Clarksville facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters and a major manufacturing hub, while the Gordonsville project includes the reopening of a former mine, restoring jobs and industrial activity that had been dormant since 2023.
The Smith County mine contains critical and strategic minerals essential to advanced manufacturing and defense technologies, helping strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources, including China.
“This investment is not just an economic victory — it is a geostrategic one,” said U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee). “Korea Zinc’s decision to build a world-class critical minerals refinery in Tennessee directly supports efforts to restore American economic security in partnership with trusted allies like South Korea, while delivering hundreds of high-paying jobs to Tennessee families.”
The announcement follows Korea Zinc’s recent agreements with the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and other federal partners that rely on the company’s refining capabilities for advanced military and strategic applications. Korea Zinc’s operations play a vital role in supporting national and international security, particularly through the processing of critical minerals used in advanced defense technologies.
According to Deputy Governor and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, the project is a direct result of Tennessee’s global recruitment strategy and recent international engagement.
“Korea Zinc’s decision marks the single largest investment in state history and reinforces the importance of our strategic international recruitment efforts,” McWhorter said. “The relationships Tennessee has built across Asia have been essential in securing projects of this scale, and we are grateful to Korea Zinc for choosing Tennessee as its U.S. home.”
Chairman Yun B. Choi said Tennessee’s workforce, infrastructure and collaborative approach made the state a natural fit for Korea Zinc’s first U.S. investment.
“Tennessee offers a compelling combination of skilled talent, reliable infrastructure and strong state and local collaboration,” Choi said. “This is a transformational project for Korea Zinc and a long-term commitment to the region. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Tennessee and the Clarksville community while upholding the highest standards of safety, sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
Since Governor Lee took office, South Korea has become one of Tennessee’s top foreign direct investment partners, accounting for $7.2 billion in capital investment during the administration. With Korea Zinc’s investment, South Korea now becomes Tennessee’s No. 1 international partner for total capital investment since 2019.
State and local leaders emphasized the project’s transformative impact at the community level.
“This multi-billion-dollar investment will bring more than 700 high-paying jobs to Montgomery and Smith counties and further strengthen Tennessee’s manufacturing and mining sectors,” said U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee).
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden called the project a milestone for the region. “This $6.6 billion investment is a major economic achievement with important national security implications,” Golden said. “We appreciate Korea Zinc’s commitment to Montgomery County and Middle Tennessee.”
Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason highlighted the importance of restarting mining operations in Gordonsville. “Knowing Smith County will play a vital role in our nation’s defense and emerging technologies is a source of great pride for our community,” Mason said. “We stand ready to partner with Korea Zinc to ensure long-term success.”
Regional leaders echoed that sentiment, citing workforce strength and long-term economic opportunity.
“Korea Zinc choosing to invest in Smith County is a testament to our fantastic workforce and strong business community,” said Sen. Paul Bailey and Rep. Michael Hale. “This project will fuel growth and support families across the region for years to come.”
TVA President and CEO Don Moul noted the broader regional impact: “Korea Zinc’s investment strengthens the Tennessee Valley’s economy and reflects the kind of strategic partnerships that help deliver good jobs and opportunity across the region.”
About Korea Zinc
Korea Zinc is a global leader in non-ferrous metal manufacturing and a KOSPI-listed corporation, operating a diversified portfolio spanning metal smelting and refining, strategic mineral-based materials, renewable energy and green hydrogen, resource recycling, and secondary battery materials. The company produces zinc, lead, copper, precious metals and a wide range of critical minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, energy and defense technologies.
