KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Nyrstar, an international metal producer based in the Netherlands, has sold its Tennessee assets to Korea Zinc. It means several mining complexes, including the Clarksville smelter, will now be operated by the South Korean company.
The deal, which was announced in December, closed Wednesday. Nyrstar representatives said all employees have transferred to Korea Zinc under the same terms they had with Nyrstar.
Previous Coverage: Tennessee mine company plans to sell operations to South Korean metal producer
“It has been our privilege to operate in the United States for almost 20 years, working alongside the dedicated teams at our sites and within the local communities that have supported us throughout this journey. The Clarksville smelter and Tennessee mines have a proud heritage of producing high-quality zinc concentrate and metal, and we thank our people for their unwavering professionalism and commitment,” Nyrstar CEO Guido Janssen said. “Korea Zinc’s global leadership in smelting innovation gives us confidence that they will continue to strengthen the foundations established by Nyrstar in the State of Tennessee, creating ongoing growth and opportunities for all stakeholders.”
wvlt
In the last several years, Nyrstar has come under fire for East Tennessee mine collapses. In July of 2025, a person died at the Young Mine in Jefferson County, and in 2021, a man died in a Knox County collapse.
Nyrstar primarily deals with zinc and lead and will continue to operate its smelters in Australia and Europe.
Official release from Nyrstar:
Budel-Dorplein, April 2, 2026 – Nyrstar, an international producer of industrial and critical minerals and metals, today announced the completion of the sale of its U.S. assets – including the East Tennessee and Mid Tennessee mining complexes and the Clarksville smelter – to Korea Zinc on Wednesday, April 1.
The transaction, first announced in December 2025, has received all required regulatory and governmental approvals. Assets and employees have transferred to Korea Zinc under existing terms, ensuring seamless continuity of operations, safety standards, and production.
“It has been our privilege to operate in the United States for almost 20 years, working alongside the dedicated teams at our sites and within the local communities that have supported us throughout this journey. The Clarksville smelter and Tennessee mines have a proud heritage of producing high‑quality zinc concentrate and metal, and we thank our people for their unwavering professionalism and commitment,” said Nyrstar CEO Guido Janssen. “Korea Zinc’s global leadership in smelting innovation gives us confidence that they will continue to strengthen the foundations established by Nyrstar in the State of Tennessee, creating ongoing growth and opportunities for all stakeholders.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Trafigura will continue to market and sell the Clarksville smelter’s total production of zinc metal and supply concentrate and oxide to the operation throughout 2026.
Nyrstar remains committed to producing the industrial and critical minerals and metals essential for energy, defense, and technology applications at its smelters in Australia and Europe, whilst pursuing further international partnerships across global regions.
ENDS
About Nyrstar
Nyrstar, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a leading international producer of industrial and critical minerals and metals essential to the energy transition, high-technology applications and regional security. With a market‑leading position in zinc and lead, the company operates interlinked smelting and related facilities across Europe and Australia, employing more than 3,000 people.
Nyrstar’s operating business is wholly owned by Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading and supply chain logistics companies. Visit www.nyrstar.com.
