On Tuesday, January 27, at 9:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center will host Korea Zinc Executive Chairman Yun B. Choi for a fireside chat exploring allied partnership models for minerals security. 

As the Trump administration intensifies efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains, attracting large-scale investment has become a central strategic pillar. While expanding domestic mining remains important, policymakers increasingly highlight complementary pathways, including recycling and advanced processing.  

Korea Zinc recently signed agreements with the Department of War, Department of Commerce, and US companies to help establish advanced integrated smelting and recycling operations—including a Tennessee smelter that converts byproducts and scrap into critical minerals and an e-waste recycling facility that recovers rare earths. Such an approach could provide a model for critical minerals partnerships among allies. Choi will discuss how partnerships for minerals security can move beyond just capital investment to include technology transfer and workforce development. 

New policy: In-person attendees will be required to show photo ID upon arrival, and no on-site registration will be permitted. Guests will not be admitted later than twenty minutes after the event’s start time. Registration for this event will close at 5:00 p.m. ET the day prior.

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