The Western Australia Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) to support cooperation and exchange of scientific and technical knowledge in the mining industry.
The MoU will support cooperation and provide a framework for the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge across the entire mining value chain with a particular focus on critical minerals.
KIGAM is a South Korean Government-funded geoscience research organisation founded in 1918, and is at the forefront of leading innovation in geoscience and technology solutions in response to current global issues such as climate change.
On Wednesday 15 March, while in the Republic of Korea, Federal Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, witnessed the signing of the agreement as part of a Western Australian Government mission to promote Western Australia’s capabilities.
Mr Johnston said, “This MoU will enable cooperation on research and exchange of information with our Korean trading partners to build capability and reaffirm the importance of Western Australia in the global supply of critical minerals.
“Transformational change is needed in how we find commodities, extract and process them, and convert them for use in manufacturing processes to support the global efforts in decarbonisation.
“This cooperation is an important step in developing a strong battery chemical industry in Western Australia, in partnership with the Korean industry.”
This MoU further strengthens the relationship between Western Australia and the Republic of Korea following the signing of a historic letter of intent by the Western Australian Premier on 1 February 2023.
