Korea Zinc Discusses Measures to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chain with Australian Research Institutions

Introduction to Korea-Australia Critical Minerals R&D
Exploring Cooperation Opportunities in Battery Materials

Korea Zinc announced on July 1 that it had discussed R&D cooperation measures to strengthen the global supply chain in the critical minerals sector with a delegation from the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub, which is composed of researchers from Australia's national comprehensive scientific research institute CSIRO and leading universities.

The meeting, which took place on June 30 at the request of the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub, saw 15 researchers from CSIRO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and major Australian universities visit Korea Zinc's headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

To focus on the potential for R&D cooperation between Korea Zinc and Australian research institutions in the critical minerals sector, the Australian R&D Hub delegation included researchers and professors specializing in mineral resources, chemical engineering, metal recycling, and pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy.

From Korea Zinc, around 10 key personnel attended both online and offline, including Park Giwon, Head of TD Technology Division (Vice President), Kim Jungwoo, Director of the Technology Research Center (Vice President), and Ryu Jaegil, Executive Officer.

During the meeting, Korea Zinc explained the excellence of its critical minerals R&D systems and technologies, as well as the characteristics of South Korea's smelting industry ecosystem. The Australian delegation shared the latest trends in rare earth technology development and battery material research in Australia. Both sides exchanged a wide range of views and explored various possibilities, particularly focusing on partnerships for joint research in rare metals, battery materials, by-product utilization technologies, and metal refining and recycling.

A Korea Zinc representative stated, "Through this meeting with the Australian Critical Minerals R&D delegation, we held in-depth discussions on R&D cooperation between both sides in areas such as battery materials." The representative added, "Going forward, Korea Zinc, which possesses world-class smelting technology, will continue to actively engage in exchanges with CSIRO, Australia's leading comprehensive scientific research institute, and the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub to strengthen the critical minerals research ecosystem and the global supply chain."