US Department of War finds no significant environmental impact for Korea Zinc's Tennessee smelter

Korea Zinc/Project Crucible (Clarksville smelter)

After a final environmental assessment, the US Defense Department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for Project Crucible. The review covered air, greenhouse gases, water, hazardous waste and local socio-economic effects. Korea Zinc now needs individual construction and operating permits before building.

• In April 2026 the project became the first covered by federal FAST-41 fast-track permitting under an agreement with Tennessee.
• The plant will make 11 critical minerals plus semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid.
• Next: individual construction and operating permits.