Mar 13, 2026 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
Smelting company Korea Zinc is discussing plans with US tech firms to extract and recycle rare earth minerals from retired data center equipment, according to Chairman Yun B. Choi in a Reuters interview.
Trade tensions between Beijing and the US, exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s threats of heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, have led to China imposing controls on the exports of rare earths, which came into force last year.
Under Chinese regulations, foreign companies must obtain government approval to export even small quantities of controlled minerals, a requirement that has the potential to disrupt tech supply chains in the US and globally.
"The US government has been continuously advocating for recycling critical minerals, because they are aware that a significant amount of such minerals from waste was exported to China via several countries," Choi told Reuters.
"We have been quietly researching technologies to extract rare earths over the past two years. If we can provide a solution or a process to extract, refine, and provide new rare earths in the United States, I think the business value would be significant.”
The executive did not disclose the other companies involved but said Korea Zinc has been preparing for the deal by investing in recycling, acquiring an e-waste recycler and scrap metal trader, and partnering with a firm specializing in mineral separation technology.
In December 2025, Seoul-based Korea Zinc announced plans to build a $7.4 billion smelter in Tennessee, with significant funding provided by the US government.
