Project Crucible Minerals Manufacturing Project Gains FAST-41 Coverage

WASHINGTON (April 24, 2026) – The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) is pleased to announce the latest project to gain FAST-41 coverage–Project Crucible. This project is the first project listed following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Permitting Council and the State of Tennessee, which will strengthen coordination of the federal and state permitting for this critical infrastructure project. Once permitted, the Tennessee-based manufacturing project would become the first large scale U.S. based zinc refinery built since the 1970s. 

Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, Project Crucible is a proposed smelting and refining facility intended to produce 12 types of non-ferrous metals, including 11 of the 60 critical minerals designated by the U.S. government, as well as semiconductor grade sulfuric acid. Products include zinc, lead, copper, gold, antimony, gallium, and germanium. Project sponsors plan to design the facility based on Korea Zinc’s Onsan Smelter in South Korea, currently the largest single-site non-ferrous smelter in the world. 

“I am proud to welcome Project Crucible to FAST-41 coverage,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director. “As we continue to prioritize domestic mining, expanding domestic processing capacity is just as important for economic and national security. This critical project is also the first listed on the FAST-41 Permitting Dashboard under our recent MOU with the State of Tennessee, which will improve coordination between state and federal agencies and ensure a transparent and efficient permitting process at every level of government. I look forward to continuing our partnership with Governor Lee and his team, and to expanding mineral processing capacity across the country.”

"Tennessee continues to lead the nation in securing America's energy future and strengthening our advanced manufacturing base," said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. "With Project Crucible now designated as a FAST-41 project, we are accelerating critical infrastructure development and improving government efficiency to move this project forward without unnecessary delays. I'm grateful for our partnership with the Trump Administration as we create new opportunities for Tennesseans to thrive and reinforce our state's leadership in driving innovation and global competitiveness." 

“We are pleased to see Korea Zinc’s Project Crucible officially receive FAST-41 Covered Project Status, which will help expedite the largest direct foreign investment in Tennessee’s history,” said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). “Thanks to President Trump’s focus on cutting red tape and simplifying permitting, we expect the site will continue to maintain hundreds of well-paying jobs in Clarksville and the entire region.”

“Exciting news for Tennessee, U.S. national security, and our ROK partners: Korea Zinc's Project Crucible in Clarksville has received FAST-41 Covered Project status! I was honored to have authored the law that opened the FAST-41 program for fast-tracking permitting to key technologies and strategic industries impacting national security,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN). “I want to thank President Donald J. Trump for his Administration’s strong support for this U.S.-Korea project in Tennessee that will make the United States a major player in the processing of rare earths and other critical minerals.” 

"This is great news for Tennessee,” said U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07). “Korea Zinc’s Project Crucible in Clarksville directly supports President Trump’s priority to increase American mineral production. This innovative project will strengthen the regional economy, create high-quality jobs, and secure American supply chains. Receiving FAST-41 Covered Project status ensures the project will move forward with necessary federal support through the permitting process. This is a win for Tennessee and the nation as a whole."

"The FAST-41 designation for the $7.4 billion Project Crucible represents a significant milestone in advancing a secure and resilient U.S. critical minerals supply chain. We strongly appreciate the U.S. government’s coordinated permitting framework under FAST-41, which plays a critical role in ensuring timely and efficient project delivery," said Yun B. Choi, Chairman & CEO of Korea Zinc. "Korea Zinc remains firmly committed to working in close partnership with U.S. stakeholders to successfully execute this strategic investment."

Project Crucible is sponsored by Crucible Metals, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea Zinc Co Ltd.). The U.S. Department of War is the lead federal permitting agency. Learn more about Project Crucible on the Federal Permitting Dashboard.