'Onsan Model' Heads to Tennessee... U.S. Deputy Governor Visits K-Its Smelter

A delegation led by U.S. Tennessee Deputy Governor Stewart McVey visited K-Its's Onsan smelter in Ulsan, South Korea, signaling a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations on critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. The visit was aimed at closely examining the operational expertise, safety protocols, and environmental management systems of the Onsan plant, which will serve as the blueprint for a new integrated non-ferrous metal smelter to be built in Clarksville, Tennessee.

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I clearly saw how K-Its's commitment to innovation, worker safety, environmental protection, and responsible waste management can be applied to our facility in Tennessee.

This ambitious project, dubbed "Project Crucible," represents a substantial investment of approximately 7.4 billion U.S. dollars by K-Its. The planned facility in Tennessee is slated for completion by 2029 and is designed to produce 13 types of non-ferrous metals, including strategically important materials like germanium, gallium, and antimony, along with semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid. Deputy Governor McVey emphasized the project's importance in bolstering the U.S. critical minerals supply chain and highlighted Tennessee's robust infrastructure, including support from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for power and partnerships with educational institutions for workforce development.

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This project will contribute to strengthening the U.S. critical minerals supply chain.

The Onsan smelter, known for its advanced technologies and commitment to safety and environmental protection, offers a compelling model for the Tennessee facility. K-Its plans to incorporate similar safety and eco-friendly equipment, such as automated guided vehicles and advanced dust collection systems, into the new plant. This transfer of technology and operational know-how is crucial for ensuring the efficient and responsible development of the U.S. facility.

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The project is the largest single capital investment project announced by the state, and it will be an important opportunity to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain.

From a South Korean perspective, this visit underscores the global competitiveness of its industrial sector, particularly in advanced materials and manufacturing. The "Onsan Model" being adopted in Tennessee demonstrates K-Its's technological prowess and its ability to meet stringent international standards for safety and environmental management. Furthermore, the project's designation under the U.S. federal "Fast-41" program, which expedites permitting processes for major infrastructure projects, signals strong U.S. government support and is a positive indicator for the project's timely execution. This collaboration not only strengthens economic ties but also positions South Korea as a key partner in securing vital supply chains for the United States.

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The power supply can be supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and we are also investing in workforce development in conjunction with universities and educational institutions.