Korea Zinc announced that its 'Project Crucible,' which involves an investment of approximately $7.4 billion (about 10 trillion won) in collaboration with the U.S. government, has successfully passed a key environmental permitting process. Project Crucible aims to construct a large-scale smelter in Tennessee that will produce 11 critical minerals, gold, and 12 non-ferrous metals, as well as semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid.
On September 11, U.S. local time, Korea Zinc reported that the U.S. Department of Defense completed the 'Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA)' based on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which comprehensively reviewed the environmental impacts associated with the implementation and operation of Project Crucible. The department subsequently confirmed a 'Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).'
In this assessment, the U.S. Department of Defense evaluated air quality, greenhouse gases, water resources, biological and cultural resources, waste and hazardous materials, transportation, and socio-economic impacts. After consultations with relevant agencies, it determined that the implementation of Project Crucible would not have a significant impact on the surrounding environment.
The results of the final environmental assessment will serve as reference material for various permits that Korea Zinc must obtain from federal and state governments to advance Project Crucible. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense will use the final environmental assessment results when deciding on financial support, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will consider these results when evaluating power infrastructure support.
A Korea Zinc official stated, 'We believe that our proactive consultations with relevant agencies regarding the initial design, site, processes, and environmental measures contributed to receiving the FONSI from the U.S. Department of Defense's Final EA. We will thoroughly prepare to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and successfully.'
Meanwhile, on September 4, Korea Zinc held an official ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction project for the integrated smelter in the U.S., known as 'Project Crucible.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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