- Choi Yun-birm of Korea Zinc has been invited to a high-level U.S. and South Korean business meeting in Gyeongju.
- Korea Zinc invested $85 million in The Metals Company in June 2025, acquiring a 5% ownership stake.
- The United States is prioritizing critical mineral production to reduce its dependence on China.
- A summit led by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick will host major business leaders alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event.
- Retail investor sentiment on TMC stock has been mixed amid hopes for trade deals and possible positive developments.
Choi Yun-birm, chair of Korea Zinc, has been invited to attend a meeting of U.S. and South Korean business leaders in Gyeongju. The event will take place on the sidelines of President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea, according to news reports. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time at the Gyeongju Arts Center and will coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
In June, Korea Zinc agreed to invest $85 million in The Metals Company (TMC). This deal secured a 5% stake in the deep-sea mining company. According to company sources, Korea Zinc also received a bulk sample of seabed nodules to explore processing methods.
“Korea Zinc is probably the only company outside of China that has the capability to take TMC USA’s materials and turn them into metal product formats required in the United States,” TMC CEO Gerard Baron stated in June.
The upcoming summit will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Attendees include leaders from major firms, such as Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motors, and LG Group. According to the Chosun Daily newspaper, the event serves as a follow-up after previous trade talks held in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. government has increased its focus on developing its own supply of critical minerals, such as germanium, to reduce dependence on China. President Trump has signed an executive order to speed up approval for deep-sea mining projects. TMC stock has surged over sixfold this year, drawing increased attention from investors. Some traders have speculated on further positive developments, including possible regulatory approvals or new commercial contracts.
