Hagerty Applauds Korea Zinc’s Decision to Build $6 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee

Major Investment Strengthens America's Economic and National Security, Creates High-Paying Jobs, and Demonstrates Tennessee's Unmatched Business Environment

WASHINGTON-Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) applauded the decision by Korea Zinc, one of the world's leading minerals and metals companies, to invest in a critical minerals project that will bring $6 billion and hundreds of jobs to Clarksville and Gordonsville. This transformative project-the largest single private corporate investment in Tennessee history-will significantly strengthen U.S. economic and national security by creating significant new domestic refining capacity for the critical minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and next-generation energy systems.

The new facility will significantly expand U.S. refining capacity for 13 critical minerals, including those that have been the subject of recent export controls by China. Increasing domestic refining capacity is a central focus of ongoing efforts in Congress-including legislation such as S.2839, the Restoring American Mineral Security Act that Hagerty introduced with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)-to counter China's leverage over global supply chains.

"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," said Senator Bill Hagerty. "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."

This announcement is a major win for Tennessee and reflects the strong partnership among federal, state, and local leaders, including Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, and the entire Tennessee ECD team, whose sustained engagement helped secure Korea Zinc's commitment. Additionally, this announcement emphasizes the vital role of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), whose energy infrastructure and ability to reliably power energy-intensive industrial facilities were decisive in Korea Zinc's selection of Tennessee.

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