As the world seeks to secure minerals, a key asset of advanced industries, South Korea is strengthening technological cooperation with resource-rich countries and expanding its global supply chain alliances. South Korea is entering the joint development phase with Australia and Uzbekistan, while discussions on cooperation linking initial exploration to processing industrialization are gaining momentum with African countries.
The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held the 2025 Key Minerals International Forum (INFOCM 2025) on the 12th at Conrad Seoul. The forum was attended by senior officials from 12 countries and over 400 representatives from corporations and institutions.
South Korea is currently conducting joint exploration and research projects on mineral resources with Australia and Uzbekistan. In Australia, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources is conducting joint research with Geoscience Australia on building databases, mapping key minerals, and waste utilization strategies. The University of Queensland in Australia is also reviewing the provision of a testbed related to waste research.
Daniel Franks, director of the Global Minerals Security Centre at the University of Queensland in Australia and an adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, said, "Australia is good at mining and refining, but there are limitations in creating added value from minerals," adding, "South Korea excels in 'midstream' technologies for extracting, refining, and processing minerals, allowing for complementary cooperation with Australia in utilizing minerals for electric vehicles, solar energy, and other fields."
South Korea and Uzbekistan have continued their cooperation since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2019 regarding the establishment of a big data system and a mining disaster prediction system. Last year, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources completed preliminary investigations in six promising areas in Uzbekistan, and they are currently preparing to sign a joint research agreement on pegmatite containing lithium and rare earth element deposits. The agreement is expected to include provisions granting priority for participation in development to South Korean corporations.
Orifjon Usmankulov, chief specialist at the Uzbekistan Mining Geology Department, emphasized, "We are currently investigating the core mineral deposits within Uzbekistan, which are yet to be fully identified," adding, "We are collaborating with South Korea not just for exploration but also with an eye on processing and producing added value."
Africa is also an important partner. Although it is still in the early discussion phase, it is expected that substantial research can begin as early as next year. Discussions are underway to sign an MOU with Nigeria at this forum, and Tanzania is preparing to materialize a joint project on geological research and physical exploration.
Olubenga Okunrola, president of the African Geological Society, said, "Africa aims to move beyond being simply a core mineral producer and is seeking to become a processing nation," adding, "South Korea has excellent technology and industrial capabilities and is a partner that can expand the core minerals industry into the electric vehicle and battery sectors. I hope South Korean corporations will look broadly at infrastructure and marketing as they invest."
Lee Pyung-gu, director of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, stated, "This forum will be a turning point in realizing a new core mineral supply chain through technology-based diplomacy and industrial cooperation," and he added, "Based on full-cycle technology, we will nurture midstream technologies to lead the establishment of a new global supply chain by 2030."