December 15, 2025 - Korea Zinc, the world’s largest zinc smelter, is building a $7.4 billion plant in Tennessee under a JV aimed at strengthening the supply chain between Seoul and Washington. Construction of the smelter will begin in 2027, with completion scheduled for the end of 2029. The U.S. government and U.S. investors are throwing in $1.94 billion for the project, more than 26% of the total cost.

On the hill, this week, Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman’s "SPEED Act," is supposed to get a good look as part of ongoing discussions on permitting. The bill would overhaul the NEPA process and is technology-neutral. Rumor has it that there may be a group working to stall the bill’s progress but those in industry are hoping to see this commonsense legislation move forward.

Also in the House, there is grid legislation being consider that would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to keep reliable energy sources on the nation’s power grid. The “Reliable Power Act,” and the “Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025,” are meant to address the reliability crisis that has arrived.