Kazakhstan-Korea Rare Metals Center Opens

The Kazakhstan-Korea Rare Metals Technology Center has officially opened at the Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation of Satbayev University. The new center will bring together scientists and engineers from both countries to conduct joint research, develop technologies for the advanced processing of mineral resources and the production of rare metals and advanced materials, and facilitate their industrial application.

The opening marks an important milestone in strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea and supporting the development of high-tech industries.

The project aligns with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s strategic agenda to expand cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the field of rare and rare-earth metals. During his state visit to Seoul, the President emphasized the importance of establishing a complete production cycle, from scientific research and raw material extraction to advanced processing and the manufacture of finished products.

The opening ceremony brought together representatives of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the diplomatic corps of the Republic of Korea, research organizations, and mining and metallurgical companies.

The ceremony was opened by Bagdaulet Kenzhaliev, Director General of the Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation, who welcomed the Korean delegation. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of developing advanced processing technologies for rare metals and producing advanced materials to strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Korea.

According to Kenzhaliev, the new center will strengthen links between research and industry, direct scientific developments towards practical industrial challenges, and enhance Kazakhstan’s technological capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of introducing the results of joint research into industrial production and expanding cooperation with domestic enterprises.

In a congratulatory letter read at the opening ceremony, Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, highlighted the project’s significance for the development of the country’s scientific and industrial sectors.

“The establishment of the Kazakhstan-Korea Rare Metals Center is an important step in advancing scientific and technological cooperation between our countries. The center will help improve technologies for the advanced processing of mineral resources, develop the production of high-value-added products and strengthen Kazakhstan’s technological capabilities,” the minister’s message stated.

The center was established with the support of government bodies in both countries. The project is being implemented by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and the Korea National Institute of Rare Metals (KORAM) under the Republic of Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program.

“The new center will facilitate the introduction of Korean technologies in Kazakhstan for rare metal processing and advanced purification, as well as the production of materials for high-tech industries. This will enable Kazakhstan to manufacture products in demand among producers of electronics, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies,” said Park Kyung-tae, Director of KORAM.

On the day of the opening, the center held the first meeting of its Joint Steering Committee. Representatives of both countries discussed the schedule for equipping laboratories with modern facilities, training specialists and establishing cooperation with industrial enterprises. The agenda also covered joint research activities and the center’s future plans.

The Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation at Satbayev University will serve as the center’s scientific foundation, drawing on its extensive experience in metallurgy and mineral processing research. Cooperation with Korean partners will combine Kazakhstan’s scientific expertise with the Republic of Korea’s advanced technologies and engineering experience.

“We look forward to the active involvement of our industrial partners. Your practical challenges will help us identify research priorities, while joint testing will prepare our developments for industrial implementation. It is important to us that the center’s research results find practical application at enterprises,” said Meiram Begentayev, Chairman of the Board and Rector of Satbayev University.

Rare and rare-earth metals are essential to electronics, energy, mechanical engineering and other high-tech industries. Developing advanced processing technologies will help Kazakhstan’s resource-rich regions make more efficient use of their mineral wealth and expand the production of high-value-added goods. The new center is expected to contribute to this effort by strengthening international research cooperation and bringing scientific developments closer to industrial application.