韩媒：价值74亿美元的美韩合作标杆项目生变

Core Viewpoint - The restructuring plan for the critical mineral supply chain led by the U.S. is facing uncertainty due to legal disputes and management disagreements involving the Korean zinc smelting leader, Korea Zinc, and its Tennessee smelting project [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Tennessee smelting project, a flagship collaboration between Korea Zinc and the U.S. Department of Defense, is set to cost $7.4 billion and aims to address supply chain risks for key materials across various industries, including automotive and military [1]. - The project was recently confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense, marking a significant development as it is the first large-scale zinc smelting plant to be built in the U.S. since the 1970s [1]. Group 2: Legal and Management Issues - The project is currently stalled due to internal disputes over equity and management rights, with a third-party capital increase plan scheduled for December 26 facing strong opposition from major shareholders [2]. - The current chairman of Korea Zinc, Choi Yoon-bum, plans to issue new shares to the joint venture, Crucible JV, to acquire a 10% stake in Korea Zinc, which has been challenged in court by the largest shareholder alliance [2]. - Ongoing legal disputes are expected to prolong, with investigations by the Korean Fair Trade Commission and prosecutors into the legality of the financing chain [2].