Australian critical minerals R&D hub delegation visits Korea Zinc

Korea Zinc announced on July 1 that it discussed R&D cooperation to strengthen the global supply chain in the critical minerals sector with a delegation from Australia's national science agency CSIRO and major university researchers, representing the Australian Critical Minerals Research & Development (R&D) Hub.

The delegation, composed of 15 researchers from CSIRO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and leading Australian universities, visited Korea Zinc's headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on June 30.

The visit aimed to expand potential R&D collaboration between Korea Zinc and Australian research institutions in the critical minerals field.

During the meeting, Korea Zinc explained the excellence of its critical minerals R&D system and technology, as well as the characteristics of South Korea’s smelting industry ecosystem. The Australian delegation presented the latest trends in rare earth technology development and battery materials research in Australia.

The Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub is a scientific consortium that includes CSIRO, ANSTO, Geoscience Australia, Curtin University, University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Swinburne University, Murdoch University, and others.

A Korea Zinc official said, “Through this meeting, we held in-depth discussions on joint research and development cooperation, especially in the battery materials sector,” adding, “We will continue active exchanges with the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub to strengthen the research ecosystem and global supply chains in critical minerals.”