VisionFirst Leads Site Selection for Korea Zinc’s Historic $6.6 Billion Investment in Tennessee

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

“Today marks the largest economic development project announcement in Tennessee’s history and VisionFirst Advisors was honored to serve as the site selection firm entrusted to lead the search on behalf of Korea Zinc, the world’s leading comprehensive nonferrous metal manufacturer. This project represents more than $6.6 billion in capital investment across two counties and will deliver 740 new, high-wage jobs for the region. The project also carries national significance by reducing our country’s reliance on China for rare earth materials that are critical to national security and military operations. We congratulate the State of Tennessee on this historic announcement and recognize the Tennessee Valley Authority and other partners whose collaboration and leadership helped make this project possible. We also thank Korea Zinc for placing its trust in our team to help identify the home for its U.S. operations.”  – Gray Swoope, President & CEO

Korea Zinc Selects Tennessee for First U.S. Operations, Announces $6.6 Billion Investment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B. Choi announced that the company will invest more than $6.6 billion in new production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee. The announcement, made by the world’s leading comprehensive nonferrous metal manufacturer, represents the company’s first U.S. locations and the largest single private corporate investment made in state history.

As part of its production efforts, Korea Zinc will create 420 new jobs in Montgomery County and an additional 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years. The multi-county project comprises construction of a new facility in Clarksville that will house the company’s U.S. headquarters as well as manufacturing operations. In Gordonsville, the company plans to reopen a former mine, bringing back lost jobs and industry to the community. The company, known for its commitment to community engagement, education and environmental sustainability, plans to acquire and invest in several locations statewide.

In addition, this effort builds upon agreements announced yesterday with the White House, and, subsequently, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Department of War and other partners that rely on the company’s critical and strategic mineral products. Korea Zinc’s refining plays a vital role in supporting advanced military technology and safeguarding national and international security by reducing the nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals.

Today’s announcement is a direct result of Gov. Lee’s and Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter’s recent international recruiting trip to Asia. With the company’s total investment of more than $6 billion, this project further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Tennessee and South Korea and reinforces a partnership built on innovation, manufacturing excellence and shared values.

Since Gov. Lee took office, South Korea has emerged as one of the state’s top partners for foreign direct investment in creating new jobs and investing capital – a total of $7.2 billion invested during this administration. With Korea Zinc’s investment, South Korea will become the state’s No. 1 international partner for capital invested statewide since 2019.

QUOTES
“Today’s announcement underscores that Tennessee is known globally as the best place to live, work and raise a family. I am proud to announce this historic investment and welcome Korea Zinc to the Volunteer State. These hundreds of new jobs will drive economic prosperity across this region for generations to come, and I am confident Korea Zinc will find continued success in partnership with Tennessee’s highly skilled workforce.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Korea Zinc’s decision to invest in Tennessee, which marks the single largest investment in state history, reinforces the importance of our strategic global recruitment efforts. The international relationships we’ve built over the years have been essential in securing projects like this one. We are grateful to Korea Zinc for investing in Tennessee and to our partners for helping demonstrate the strength of the Tennessee story and the Volunteer Spirit to companies around the world.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“Tennessee offers a compelling combination of a highly skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and strong collaboration at both the state and local levels, making it an ideal location for this project. This is a transformational endeavor for Korea Zinc and our long-term commitment to the region – one that will create high-quality jobs, contribute to the local economy and uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship and safety. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Tennessee and the Clarksville community as we grow together.” – Chairman. Yun B Choi, Korea Zinc

“Korea Zinc’s decision to build a world-class critical minerals refinery in our state is not just an economic victory – it is a geostrategic one that directly supports President Trump’s efforts to restore American economic security in partnership with trusted allies, like South Korea. This project will expand the United States’ capacity to produce the minerals that power our advanced industries and defense capabilities, strengthening national security while delivering high-paying jobs for hundreds of Tennessee families.” – Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee)

“Tennessee is the best place in the nation to do business, and today’s announcement from Korea Zinc proves it. This multi-billion-dollar investment in Tennessee will bring more than 700 high-paying jobs to Montgomery and Smith counties, further strengthening our state’s manufacturing and mining sectors.” – Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee)

“Korea Zinc’s investment is a big win for our state, delivering jobs and investment to Middle Tennessee. The Smith County Nyrstar mine, which is just a few miles away from my farm, has been out of production since 2023. The mine contains rare earth minerals that are essential for the production of advanced military technology, which we are otherwise forced to source internationally. I am grateful to the Trump Administration for leading the charge to bolster national security and add Tennessee jobs. I also want to congratulate and thank Gov. Lee, Commissioner McWhorter and the local officials in Smith and Montgomery Counties who made this possible.” – Congressman John Rose (R-Tennessee)

“I am proud to welcome Korea Zinc to the 7th district. This investment brings incredible strategic value and real economic opportunity to Clarksville, Montgomery County and Middle Tennessee. This partnership will benefit Tennesseans for years to come.” – Congressman Matt Van Epps (R-Tennessee)

“Today’s announcement is a win for the Tennessee Valley. Korea Zinc’s investment strengthens our region’s economy and reflects the kind of strategic partnership that helps us deliver on our mission – creating good jobs and more opportunities for the people in the communities we serve. We’re proud to work alongside Korea Zinc to help the Valley thrive.” – Don Moul, president and CEO, TVA

“On behalf of Montgomery County, I’m proud to welcome Korea Zinc and the 420 new high-quality jobs it will bring. This $6 billion investment – the largest private investment in state history – is a major economic milestone with important national-security implications, and we appreciate the company’s commitment to the Middle Tennessee region and our community.” – Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden

“As County Mayor, I am extremely excited to hear that mining operations are set to resume in Gordonsville and Smith County. Knowing that Smith County will play a vital role in our nation’s defense efforts and in supporting emerging technologies is a source of great pride for our community. I thank President Trump, our federal delegation, Gov. Lee and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their swift and diligent work to bring this project to Smith County, and I welcome Korea Zinc to our community. We stand ready to partner in making this new beginning a successful and lasting endeavor.” – Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason

“Korea Zinc’s decision to locate in Tennessee represents a transformative investment in Montgomery County’s future. Bringing 420 new jobs and a historic $6.6 billion in capital investment, this project will strengthen our local economy for decades to come. We are grateful for the collaboration among our state and local partners who helped make this possible, and we look forward to seeing the tremendous opportunities this development will create for our community.” – Sen. Bill Powers (R-Clarksville) and Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville)

“Korea Zinc choosing to invest in Smith County is a testament to our fantastic workforce and strong business community. The addition of more than 320 jobs will fuel economic growth and support families across the region. We thank everyone who helped bring this project to life and look forward to the company’s continued success.” – Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) and Rep. Michael Hale (R-Smithville)

About Korea Zinc
Korea Zinc is a world leading non-ferrous metal manufacturing company and a KOSPI-listed corporation. The company operates a diversified business portfolio spanning non-ferrous metal smelting and refining, strategic mineral-based materials manufacturing, renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, resource recycling, and secondary battery materials. Korea Zinc produces and supplies a broad portfolio of metals, including zinc, lead, and copper, precious metals such as gold and silver, and strategic metals including antimony, indium, bismuth, tellurium, gallium, and germanium. Leveraging its advanced smelting and refining technologies, the company is expanding into battery-related metals and advanced materials, while strengthening its resource recycling business focused on metal recovery and refining.