SU opens Kazakh-Korean Rare Metals Center

In a major boost to international scientific and technological collaboration, Kazakhstan is launching a landmark joint research hub dedicated to the processing of critical raw materials. Supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh-Korean Center for Rare and Rare-earth Metals is being established on the basis of the Institute of Metallurgy and Enrichment at Satbayev University, in direct partnership with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and the Korea National Institute of Rare Metals (KORAM).

During a recent high-level working meeting, leadership representatives from Satbayev University, KITECH, and KORAM outlined the key development phases of the project. Discussions centered on equipping the new center with state-of-the-art analytical and technological machinery, deepening joint scientific initiatives, and building an international framework for technology transfer.

Beyond advanced research, the center will serve as an educational and scientific hub for training highly qualified engineers and researchers in the rare metals sector. Kazakhstani scientists will gain direct access to modern experimental equipment, opening new avenues for applied R&D and international scientific exchange.

"Combining the scientific potential of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea will allow us to introduce modern technologies for processing strategic raw materials, expand scientific research, and train world-class specialists," said Professor Meiram Begentayev, Rector of Satbayev University.

The new center is set to become Kazakhstan’s first full-cycle specialized platform dedicated to rare and rare earth metals. Its operational scope will encompass every stage of research and technological adoption:

• Developing, testing, and scaling environmentally safe technologies to extract and produce pure and ultra-pure rare and rare earth metals.
• Conducting comprehensive studies on mineral chemistry, extraction kinetics, and advanced material synthesis.
• Running pilot trials to evaluate the commercial viability of novel processing technologies for both primary mineral ores and industrial technogenic waste (tailings and slag).

By combining research excellence, state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, and industry-aligned specialist training, the Kazakh-Korean Center will reinforce Kazakhstan's standing as a reliable, high-tech global supplier of critical rare metals.